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During the race for the White House in 2016, Viktor Orbán was notable as the sole EU chief to support the Republican candidate. This support was expected, in light of the Hungarian leader's embrace of divisive theories including the "great replacement" theory and his suppression of press independence. Commentators have noted that Mr Orbán more or less wrote the playbook for the Maga movement, with ex-Trump adviser Steve Bannon once praising him as Trump's forerunner.

Electoral Support In advance of Hungary's Polls

In recent days, amid pivotal polls in Hungary only approaching in six months, the US president returned some political favors. While Orbán seeks a fifth term in office governing a country he describes as an illiberal democracy, his political group currently trails in opinion polls. A visit to Washington yielded beyond a few signed Maga baseball caps; it brought considerably more valuable electoral advantages.

Special Treatment and Financial Shields

Even though previously admonishing European nations on the imperative to eliminate all resource supplies from Russia, and threatening restrictions against countries persisting to purchase Russian crude, Donald Trump approved to allow a particular exclusion for Hungary – the biggest user in the EU of Russian oil. As Orbán stated, the Trump administration also pledged to provide a fiscal buffer to Hungary's capital should it encounters any upcoming challenges, given that EU institutions is still blocking large sums from the EU to the nation because of violations of legal standards.

The specifics of this deal remain somewhat murky. However Donald Trump recently demonstrated his readiness to help out like-minded partners as the America granted a $20bn emergency credit line to the Argentine leader, Javier Milei. While Orbán was unable to arrange a campaign-energising Trump visit to the Hungarian capital, the discussions still proved a successful endeavor.

Brussels' Worries and International Implications

Among European leaders, Trump's actions likely highlighted the international consequences of the coming election, before which the moderate contender, Péter Magyar, enjoys a clear edge in opinion data. Heads of state know not to expect steady principles from the Trump White House, and have grown used to the Trump's moves to diminish the EU. Yet the special treatment for Orbán – secured through an agreement to buy US gas and nuclear energy – blatantly weakens the bloc's aims to end Russian oil and gas by the year 2027.

• From 2022 onward, the largest EU buyers of Russian crude, these two countries, have contributed well over £10bn to the Moscow's war operations.
• Simultaneously, Budapest has often employed the threat of its veto to impede moves in Ukraine's bid to join the EU.
• As Europe strives to create a coordinated approach for aiding the Ukrainian government, and strengthening its hand in any upcoming peace talks, the Hungarian leader's alignment with Moscow at the diplomatic table remains a significant obstacle.

Rival's Approach

The opposition candidate has refrained from pledging a drastic turnaround on Ukraine, and focused his campaigning on internal matters, while stressing the importance for Hungary to begin operating as a constructive EU member. After years of repeated disruptions, EU officials can only wait and hope. Mr Orbán’s indifference to fundamental European principles, such as the protection of minority groups and the autonomy of civic groups, has long been a source of shame for the European Union. His ongoing blocking tactics regarding the Ukraine issue threatens to weaken its security prospects.