Far-Right Leaders Unite at CPAC Events in Europe

This week, the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) showcased the transatlantic alliance between far-right leaders from the U.S. and Europe, with events held in Hungary and Poland. The gatherings emphasized the strengthening ties among populist conservatives, particularly those aligned with former President Donald Trump.

In Budapest, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán delivered a keynote address, praising Trump's early presidency and declaring, "The Trump tsunami swept through the entire world. We are no longer suffocating in the woke sea." Before Orbán's speech, a video message from Trump himself was presented, where he expressed admiration for both Hungary and Orbán, calling him a "great man" and a "very special person."

Orbán's presence, alongside other right-wing figures such as Germany’s Alice Weidel and the Netherlands’ Geert Wilders, highlighted the growing influence of these leaders within the conservative movement. Notably, Liz Truss, former U.K. Prime Minister, also attended, alongside U.S. influencers like Ben Shapiro and Jack Posobiec.

Earlier in the week, CPAC held its first event in Poland, with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as the keynote speaker. She emphasized the importance of collaboration among right-wing leaders, stating, "I think what we're doing is… friendship building and diplomacy."

Despite the camaraderie, tensions linger between Trump and traditional European allies. Although he postponed a planned 50% tariff on EU goods until July, his administration has often disrupted diplomatic norms, as seen when Vice President JD Vance criticized European leaders at the Munich Security Conference.

At the Polish event, Noem urged attendees to support right-wing presidential candidate Karol Nawrocki, contrasting him with the liberal incumbent Rafał Trzaskowski, whom she labeled a "trainwreck of a leader." This call to action reflects a broader strategy by the Trump administration to influence political outcomes in allied nations.

Recent statements from the State Department have signaled a shift in U.S. priorities regarding its European alliances. A blog post from Samuel Samson emphasized concerns over issues such as speech suppression and mass migration, framing them as threats to the transatlantic partnership.

CPAC's promotional materials for the Budapest event proclaimed the beginning of a new era: "With the triumph of Donald Trump and the rise of the European Right, the Age of the Patriots of Western Civilization has begun." Chairman Matt Schlapp revealed future plans for expanding CPAC internationally, mentioning upcoming events in Australia, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia.

Source: www.cbsnews.com