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During the race for the White House in 2016, Hungary's prime minister emerged as the sole EU chief to support Donald Trump. This backing came as no shock, given Mr Orbán's championing of controversial ideas such as great replacement ideology and his suppression of journalistic liberties. Observers have noted that Hungary's premier practically pioneered the Maga movement, with former White House strategist Steve Bannon lauding Orbán as Trump's forerunner.

Political Favors Ahead of the Hungarian Vote

Last week, ahead of pivotal polls in Hungary merely half a year off, the American leader returned some political favors. While Orbán seeks a fifth term in office presiding over a nation he describes as an non-liberal system, his political group currently trails in the polls. An official trip to Washington yielded not just some autographed Trump merchandise; it brought far more significant pre-election gifts.

Waivers and Fiscal Safeguards

Although previously admonishing European states on the imperative to eliminate all energy imports from the Russian Federation, and warning of sanctions against nations persisting to purchase Russian crude, Mr Trump consented to grant a unique waiver for Hungary – the biggest user in the EU of Russian petroleum. As Orbán stated, the American leadership also pledged to offer a economic protection to Budapest if it faces any upcoming challenges, particularly since Brussels continues to withhold large sums from the EU to Hungary due to rule-of-law breaches.

The particulars of this arrangement seem vague. However Donald Trump recently demonstrated his readiness to support ideological allies as the US granted a $20 billion in emergency funds to Javier Milei, Argentina's president. Although Mr Orbán was unable to arrange a presidential tour to Budapest, the Washington talks still turned out to be a successful endeavor.

European Apprehensions and International Implications

Among European leaders, the US president's move probably emphasized the international consequences of the forthcoming polls, prior to which the opposition candidate, Péter Magyar, enjoys a solid advantage in surveys. EU chiefs have learned not to expect reliable policies from the US government, and have grown used to the American leader's attempts to undermine the European Union. But the special treatment for Orbán – secured through an deal to acquire American energy resources – flagrantly undermines the bloc's aims to phase out imports of Russian energy by 2027.

• Starting in 2022, the largest EU buyers of Russian crude, the Hungarian and Slovak nations, have contributed well over £10bn to the Russian military campaign.
• Simultaneously, Hungary has often employed the threat of its veto to hinder advancement in Ukraine’s EU accession talks.
• As the EU attempts to forge a unified and effective strategy for backing Ukraine, and enhancing its leverage in any upcoming peace talks, Orbán's pro-Russia stance at the international forums continues to be a major hurdle.

Challenger's Position

Mr Magyar has avoided promising a significant change on the war in Ukraine, and directed his efforts on home affairs, while emphasizing the need for Hungary to finally behave as a positive member state. After enduring so many years of trolling, the European Union can only wait and hope. The Hungarian leader's apathy to basic EU values, such as the protection of minority groups and the independence of civil society institutions, has remained a source of shame for the European Union. His persistent opposition on Ukraine risks undermining its long-term safety.