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In the course of the 2016 campaign for the US presidency, Hungary's prime minister emerged as the only EU chief to support the Republican candidate. This support was expected, given Mr Orbán's championing of divisive theories such as the "great replacement" theory and the restrictions against journalistic liberties. Commentators have noted that Mr Orbán more or less pioneered the Make America Great Again campaign, with ex-Trump adviser Steve Bannon hailing Orbán as the "Trump before Trump".

Electoral Support In advance of Hungary's Polls

Last week, amid crucial Hungarian elections merely six months away, Donald Trump returned some political favors. As Mr Orbán pursues a fifth term in office presiding over a nation he labels an illiberal democracy, his Fidesz party currently trails in the polls. A visit to Washington yielded not just a few signed Maga baseball caps; it secured considerably more valuable campaign boosts.

Special Treatment and Fiscal Safeguards

Even though before admonishing European states on the need to halt all resource supplies from Russia, and threatening sanctions against states continuing to import Russian energy, Mr Trump agreed to provide a unique waiver for the Hungarian government – the biggest user in the EU of Russian oil. According to Mr Orbán, the American leadership also promised to extend a fiscal buffer to Hungary's capital if it runs into any later issues, given that Brussels is still blocking billions in EU funding to the nation on grounds of failures to uphold the rule of law.

The details of this deal are somewhat murky. But the US president illustrated his willingness to assist like-minded partners after the US extended a $20 billion in emergency funds to Javier Milei, Javier Milei. Although the Hungarian PM did not secure a campaign-energising Trump visit to the Hungarian capital, the Oval Office meeting nevertheless proved a successful endeavor.

European Apprehensions and International Implications

In the corridors of the EU, the US president's move will have highlighted the geopolitical stakes of the forthcoming polls, prior to which the centrist challenger, Magyar, enjoys a clear edge in surveys. Heads of state know not to expect principled consistency from the Trump administration, and have grown used to the US president’s moves to diminish the European Union. Yet the waiver for Hungary – obtained in exchange for an agreement to buy US gas and nuclear energy – flagrantly undermines the bloc's aims to end imports of Russian energy by the year 2027.

• Starting in 2022, the top importers in the EU of Russian crude, Hungary and Slovakia, have funneled more than ten billion pounds to the Russian military campaign.
• Simultaneously, the Hungarian government has often employed the veto power to stymie progress in Ukraine's bid to join the EU.
• As Europe strives to develop a cohesive plan for aiding the Ukrainian government, and enhancing its leverage in any upcoming peace talks, Orbán's pro-Russia stance at the diplomatic table remains a significant obstacle.

Challenger's Position

Péter Magyar has avoided promising a drastic turnaround on the Ukraine conflict, and focused his campaigning on domestic issues, while stressing the need for Hungary to finally behave as a productive EU partner. After enduring repeated disruptions, EU officials can only hold out hope. Mr Orbán’s indifference to fundamental European principles, including the support for minority protections and the autonomy of civic groups, has persisted as a humiliating embarrassment for the bloc. His continued obstructionism on Ukraine threatens to weaken its future security.