🔗 Share this article

Throughout the 2016 US presidential election campaign, Hungary's prime minister emerged as the only EU chief to back Donald Trump. This backing came as no shock, in light of Mr Orbán's championing of controversial ideas such as great replacement ideology and the suppression of journalistic liberties. Observers observe that Hungary's premier more or less laid the groundwork for the Make America Great Again campaign, with ex-Trump adviser Steve Bannon hailing him as a precursor to Trump.

Electoral Support In advance of Hungary's Polls

In recent days, amid key votes in Hungary merely six months away, the American leader reciprocated with support. As Mr Orbán pursues a fifth straight win leading a country he labels an illiberal democracy, his political group lags in opinion polls. A visit to the US capital produced more than some autographed Trump merchandise; it brought highly beneficial pre-election gifts.

Energy Exemptions and Financial Shields

Although before instructing European nations on the necessity to halt all energy imports from Russia, and warning of penalties against states still to buy Russian oil, Donald Trump agreed to provide a particular exclusion for the Hungarian government – the biggest user in the EU of Russian petroleum. As Orbán stated, the US government also promised to provide a fiscal buffer to the Hungarian authorities should it runs into any upcoming challenges, particularly since the European Union is still blocking large sums from the EU to the nation due to failures to uphold the rule of law.

The specifics of this deal seem unclear. But Donald Trump illustrated his inclination to help out like-minded partners after the United States provided a a $20 billion loan to Argentina’s far-right president, the South American leader. Even though Orbán was unable to arrange a campaign-energising Trump visit to the Hungarian capital, the Washington talks nonetheless turned out to be a profitable day’s work.

Brussels' Worries and Geopolitical Stakes

Within EU circles, Mr Trump’s intervention likely highlighted the geopolitical stakes of the upcoming vote, prior to which the moderate contender, Magyar, holds a solid advantage in surveys. EU chiefs have learned not to anticipate reliable policies from the Trump White House, and have grown used to the American leader's moves to diminish the EU. But the special treatment for Orbán – obtained in exchange for an agreement to buy American natural gas and nuclear power – blatantly weakens the bloc's aims to end Russian oil and gas by the year 2027.

• Starting in 2022, the two biggest EU importers of Russian oil, these two countries, have funneled more than ten billion pounds to the Russian military campaign.
• Simultaneously, Hungary has consistently deployed the threat of its veto to impede moves in Ukraine’s EU accession talks.
• As Europe strives to develop a cohesive plan for supporting Kyiv, and bolstering its position in any future peace negotiations, Mr Orbán’s Putin-friendly presence at the negotiating table continues to be a major hurdle.

Challenger's Position

The opposition candidate has avoided pledging a drastic turnaround on the war in Ukraine, and focused his campaigning on home affairs, while stressing the necessity for Hungary to finally behave as a constructive EU member. Following so many years of trolling, Brussels can only remain patient. The Hungarian leader's apathy to core EU ideals, including the support for minority protections and the autonomy of civic groups, has persisted as a humiliating embarrassment for the bloc. His continued obstructionism regarding Ukraine threatens to weaken its long-term safety.