Orban gains influence in Europe with Trump's White House win
Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election strengthens Viktor Orban's position in the European Union. The Hungarian Prime Minister has invested significantly in his relationship with the Republican candidate, noted Hungarian political scientist and sociologist Edit Zgut-Przybylska. Hungarian international affairs expert Anton Bendarzevszkij echoes this sentiment.
"The Hungarian Prime Minister will likely position himself as a key ally of the American president in 'establishing peace' in Ukraine," said Zgut-Przybylska.
"Hungary will become a close partner for Trump's United States in Central Europe, or in Europe in general," stated Bendarzevszkij. According to him, with Washington's support, Orban will be 'more assertive and confident' in his policies.
Nothing to lose
Orban's government has long openly supported Trump in the presidential elections, and under Joe Biden's administration, relations between Washington and Budapest were the poorest in years. "Orban had nothing to lose by putting everything on one card because those relations couldn't get any worse," said Bendarzevszkij.
Zgut-Przybylska reminded that Orban remains isolated in the European Union due to his stance on Ukraine, close ties with Russia, and discussions with the Kremlin and Beijing without Brussels' consent. At the same time, the Hungarian Prime Minister has long openly supported Trump.
"Orban will undoubtedly use Trump's victory to increase his presence on the global political stage, although Hungary's actual role remains small," noted Zgut-Przybylska.
Strengthening his voice in the EU
"The American president may defend the Hungarian government if it continues to face criticism on the European stage," added Bendarzevszkij. In his opinion, these attacks may decrease because Brussels will not want to jeopardize its relations with Washington in this way.
It is not yet known whether the outcome in the U.S. will serve as an impetus for Orban's so-called peace mission regarding Ukraine, which he began after Hungary assumed the six-month presidency of the EU Council at the beginning of July. As part of this initiative, he travelled to Moscow for a meeting with Vladimir Putin, which was sharply criticized by EU partners.
