CPAC events in Budapest and Warsaw marked a significant moment for European conservatives, rallying behind nationalist candidates in upcoming elections. Hungarian PM Viktor Orban hailed a new era of conservatism, while the group navigates challenges within the broader political climate.
Conservatives Gather in Europe as CPAC Seeks to Solidify Nationalist Movements
Conservatives Gather in Europe as CPAC Seeks to Solidify Nationalist Movements
Leaders and activists convene in Hungary and Poland, rallying support for conservative ideologies amidst upcoming elections and shifting political landscapes.
In a whirlwind of momentum, conservative leaders from around Europe convened for the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Budapest and Warsaw, with aspirations of mainstream acceptance amidst an evolving political landscape. As the Polish presidential election looms, CPAC-backed candidate Karol Nawrocki finds himself in a tightly contested race against the liberal incumbent, Rafal Trzaskowski, with proponents describing it as a pivotal "battle for Western civilization."
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a key figure at the gathering, touted President Trump as a "truth serum" and positioned himself as a leader in what he calls "the Age of Patriots." Invoking themes of nationalism, traditional families, and his interpretation of Christianity, Orban and fellow speakers openly criticized the EU's Green Deal and expressed concerns over immigration and social changes, which they label as detrimental to European identity.
The vibrant atmosphere of the conference, complete with disco beats and celebrity appearances, seemed to energize attendees; yet it contrasted sharply with the serious issues at hand. "Europeans do not feel safe in their own towns," Orban proclaimed, framing the current situation as one of "population replacement" rather than integration. This sentiment resonated with other far-right figures present, including Alice Weidel of Germany's AfD and Geert Wilders from the Netherlands.
Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss and other prominent figures added weight to the assembly, emphasizing a united front for nationalist rhetoric. In Warsaw, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem explicitly endorsed Nawrocki, asserting the strong alliance Poland could forge with the United States should he prevail in the elections.
Despite the fervor, the recent setbacks for the nationalist movement in Albania and Romania raised questions about its viability. Observers noted that Orban's own influence might wane if events take a turn against his party in the upcoming elections next year. Tensions were also evident within the coalition, with differing perspectives on issues such as Ukraine.
On a poignant note, news of Hungary's dismal fertility rate, which remains among the lowest in Europe, emerged as another challenge for Orban, despite years of incentivizing family growth.
As the conference concluded, the collective eyes of European conservatives fixated on the Polish election, hopeful that success in Warsaw would bolster their aspirations across the continent.
