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In the course of the 2016 US presidential election campaign, Hungary's prime minister was notable as the only European Union leader to back the Republican candidate. This alignment was hardly surprising, considering Mr Orbán's embrace of controversial ideas including the "great replacement" theory and his suppression of press independence. Analysts point out that Mr Orbán essentially pioneered the Maga movement, with former White House strategist Steve Bannon lauding Orbán as a precursor to Trump.

Campaign Assistance Before Hungarian Elections

Recently, amid key votes in Hungary merely six months away, the American leader offered electoral assistance. With Orbán aims for a fifth straight win governing a nation he calls an illiberal state, his ruling party currently trails in surveys. A visit to the US capital produced more than a few signed Maga baseball caps; it obtained far more significant pre-election gifts.

Energy Exemptions and Economic Protections

Even though earlier instructing European states on the need to halt all fuel purchases from Russia, and threatening sanctions against countries continuing to buy Russian oil, Donald Trump consented to grant a unique waiver for Hungary – the biggest user in the EU of Russian oil. According to Mr Orbán, the US government also pledged to provide a fiscal buffer to the Hungarian authorities if it encounters any upcoming challenges, especially as Brussels persists in holding back large sums from the EU to Hungary due to violations of legal standards.

The specifics of this agreement are vague. Yet Donald Trump recently demonstrated his inclination to support ideological allies when the United States provided a a $20 billion loan to the Argentine leader, Argentina's president. While the Hungarian PM was unable to arrange a presidential tour to Budapest, the Washington talks still was a successful endeavor.

European Apprehensions and International Implications

Among European leaders, the US president's move probably further underlined the geopolitical stakes of the coming election, prior to which the centrist challenger, the rival candidate, holds a solid advantage in opinion data. Heads of state have learned not to expect principled consistency from the Trump administration, and have grown used to the Trump's efforts to belittle the European Union. Yet the waiver for Hungary – secured through an deal to acquire American energy resources – flagrantly undermines European goals to end Russian oil and gas by the year 2027.

• Since 2022, the top importers in the EU of Russian petroleum, these two countries, have provided well over £10bn to the Kremlin’s war effort.
• At the same time, the Hungarian government has often employed the blocking vote to impede moves in negotiations for Ukraine's EU membership.
• As Europe strives to develop a cohesive plan for supporting Kyiv, and enhancing its leverage in any upcoming peace talks, the Hungarian leader's alignment with Moscow at the international forums continues to be a major hurdle.

Challenger's Position

Mr Magyar has steered clear of pledging a major policy shift on the war in Ukraine, and focused his campaigning on home affairs, while emphasizing the necessity for Hungary to finally behave as a productive EU partner. After enduring persistent provocations, Brussels can only hold out hope. The Hungarian leader's apathy to basic EU values, including the support for minority protections and the independence of civil society institutions, has remained a source of shame for the EU. His ongoing blocking tactics toward Ukraine could harm its long-term safety.