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In the course of the race for the White House in 2016, Hungary's prime minister was notable as the only head of an EU nation to back the Republican candidate. This support was hardly surprising, given Mr Orbán's adoption of divisive theories including the "great replacement" theory and his crackdowns on journalistic liberties. Analysts have noted that Mr Orbán essentially wrote the playbook for the Maga movement, with former White House strategist Steve Bannon lauding him as the "Trump before Trump".

Political Favors Ahead of Hungarian Elections

Recently, amid crucial Hungarian elections only approaching in six months, the American leader returned some political favors. While Orbán aims for a fifth term in office leading a country he calls an illiberal state, his ruling party lags in surveys. A visit to the US capital yielded beyond Trump campaign souvenirs; it secured far more significant electoral advantages.

Waivers and Financial Shields

Even though earlier instructing EU countries on the need to eliminate all resource supplies from Russia, and warning of penalties against countries persisting to import Russian energy, Mr Trump approved to provide a particular exclusion for Hungary – the biggest user in the EU of Russian crude. Per the Hungarian leader, the US government also pledged to offer a “financial shield” to Hungary's capital if it runs into any future difficulties, particularly since EU institutions is still blocking large sums from the EU to Hungary because of failures to uphold the rule of law.

The particulars of this deal remain somewhat murky. But Mr Trump illustrated his inclination to help out like-minded partners after the America provided a $20bn emergency credit line to Argentina’s far-right president, Argentina's president. Even though Mr Orbán failed to obtain a presidential tour to Budapest, the Oval Office meeting nevertheless turned out to be a successful endeavor.

European Apprehensions and Global Ramifications

Among European leaders, Mr Trump’s intervention probably highlighted the international consequences of the upcoming vote, prior to which the moderate contender, Magyar, holds a comfortable lead in surveys. EU chiefs know not to anticipate steady principles from the Trump White House, and accept the American leader's efforts to belittle the EU. However the special treatment for Orbán – obtained in exchange for an pledge to purchase US gas and nuclear energy – blatantly weakens EU aspirations to phase out Russian fossil fuel imports by the target date.

• Starting in 2022, the top importers in the EU of Russian oil, these two countries, have funneled substantial funds to the Moscow's war operations.
• Simultaneously, Budapest has repeatedly used the veto power to stymie progress in Ukraine’s EU accession talks.
• As the EU attempts to develop a cohesive plan for backing Ukraine, and bolstering its position in any upcoming peace talks, Mr Orbán’s Putin-friendly presence at the international forums remains a significant obstacle.

Challenger's Position

The opposition candidate has steered clear of vowing a significant change on the Ukraine conflict, and directed his efforts on domestic issues, while emphasizing the necessity for Hungary to start acting as a constructive EU member. Following so many years of trolling, Brussels can only wait and hope. The Hungarian leader's apathy to basic EU values, including the support for minority protections and the autonomy of civic groups, has remained a humiliating embarrassment for the European Union. His persistent opposition regarding Ukraine threatens to weaken its security prospects.