In recent days, the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held significant events in Europe, particularly in Poland and Hungary. This series of gatherings takes place during a crucial week—as Poland gears up for a presidential election run-off featuring nationalist candidate Karol Nawrocki, backed by CPAC, and liberal incumbent Rafal Trzaskowski, who serves as the Mayor of Warsaw. Observers characterize this electoral battle as a pivotal moment in the contest between conservative and liberal ideologies within Europe, often referred to as a “battle for Western civilization.”
With Donald Trump now back in the White House, CPAC has regained prominence among conservative circles. Traditionally a platform for American conservatives, the visibility of CPAC has increased, especially as Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement continues to dominate the Republican Party. In the opening session in Budapest, Hungary’s nationalist Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, remarked, “This is not a gathering of the defeated, but of those who have endured,” highlighting a renewed sense of strength among European conservatives. Orban described President Trump as a “truth serum,” emphasizing a collective push towards what he terms “the Age of Patriots,” revolving around nationalism, the traditional family structure, and a specific interpretation of Christianity.
As the conference unfolded, speakers rallied against the European Union’s Green Deal, articulated concerns about immigration, and criticized what they described as the rampant “gender and woke madness.” The atmosphere was electrifying, characterized by disco music, flashing lights, and robust audience engagement. Orban’s speech underscored a prevailing sentiment of insecurity among Europeans, asserting, “Europeans do not feel safe in their own towns, homes, and countries. They are strangers in their own homes,” thereby suggesting a sense of cultural and demographic displacement.
This CPAC event wasn’t just about Hungarian conservatism; it showcased a broader European right-wing movement. Attendees applauded perspectives that challenged longstanding EU liberalism during sessions featuring notable figures like Alice Weidel from Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and Geert Wilders from the Dutch Freedom Party. The gathering presented an opportunity for like-minded politicians to cultivate alliances and strategize for the future.
Notable political leaders also attended the event, including Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Austrian Freedom Party leader Herbert Kickl, and former British Prime Minister Liz Truss. Additionally, international representation was reflected in the presence of former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Polish ex-Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, Czech former Prime Minister Andrej Babis, and Ram Madhav, a representative from India’s Bharatiya Janata Party.
Amidst the excitement, speakers articulated a vision for a global nationalist movement, staunchly opposing globalism. Notably, Rod Dreher, an editor for a conservative magazine, remarked that “CPAC Hungary seems to have more intellectual substance” compared to its U.S. counterpart, suggesting that the European variant provides a rare platform for nationalist politics that diverges from mainstream liberal narratives.
While the gathering fostered optimism among attendees, it occurred against a backdrop of setbacks for the right-wing movements across Europe. Recent electoral losses included a lopsided victory in Bucharest for the liberal Mayor Nicusor Dan and the thwarting of Herbert Kickl’s aspirations to secure the Chancellorship in Austria. Against this backdrop, questions linger regarding the long-term viability of conservative leadership in Hungary, particularly given recent declines in birth rates, which fell to 1.28—raising concerns about sustainability in the face of population challenges.
With the prospect of significant elections looming—especially in Poland and Hungary—conservatives in Europe appeared invigorated yet cautious. The stakes are high; as Orban noted, the outcome in Poland could ultimately dictate the future political landscape for nationalist movements. The conference concluded with a palpable air of hope among attendees, eagerly looking toward the crucial run-off election. The unfolding results could determine whether the conservative wave, which many believe has begun to transform Europe, will continue or wane.