Key conservative leaders in Europe, including Hungary's Viktor Orban and Poland's Karol Nawrocki, are leveraging the US-backed CPAC platform to advocate for a conservative revival that prioritizes national identity ahead of crucial elections, aiming to reshape Europe's political landscape.**
European Conservatives Seek to Solidify Their Influence Amidst National Elections**
European Conservatives Seek to Solidify Their Influence Amidst National Elections**
The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Europe signals a strategic push for conservatives ahead of critical elections, with a spotlight on national identity and resistance to liberal norms.**
Europe’s conservative leaders, buoyed by US support, are eager to seize on a pivotal moment to resonate with mainstream voters, as demonstrated by recent gatherings at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Hungary and Poland. This conference is set against the backdrop of Poland's imminent presidential election run-off between nationalist candidate Karol Nawrocki and liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, deemed by CPAC speakers as a "battle for Western civilization."
Historically, CPAC has been a domain for American conservative activism, but with Donald Trump’s return to power, it has gained traction internationally. In Budapest, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban referred to Trump as a "truth serum" and articulated his vision of a "new Europe," favoring nationalist values, traditional family structures, and a form of Christianity that he champions.
The gathering witnessed strong backing from figures like Alice Weidel of the German far-right AfD, who resonated with Orban's sentiments against EU policies, mass immigration, and progressive ideologies. Amidst a vibrant atmosphere filled with music and engaging presentations, the event served as a forum for conservative and populist figures across Europe to forge alliances and challenge established EU liberalism.
This year’s conference included prominent speakers such as Slovak PM Robert Fico, Austrian Freedom Party leader Herbert Kickl, and even former British PM Liz Truss. US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the importance of aligning Polish leadership with Trump’s administration for continued military and economic collaboration, implicitly pressuring voters to support Nawrocki.
Despite this, the European conservative movement faces challenges. The recent defeat of pro-MAGA candidates in Romania and Austria disheartens some leaders, while others question Orban’s ongoing popularity in Hungary. Furthermore, the conservative alliance appears fractured over criticisms surrounding the ongoing Ukraine crisis.
While the conference concluded with a spirited hope directed toward the Polish election, internal uncertainties loom. Hungary’s plummeting fertility rates underline pressing domestic concerns, suggesting potential cracks within Orban’s governance.
As European conservatives rally under the CPAC banner, their future depends on navigating electoral pressures and sustaining their nationalist momentum amidst a backdrop of changing public sentiment.
