The Relationship Between Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orbán
The relationship between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is marked by political affinity and significant divergence from mainstream EU policies, particularly regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Unlike other EU leaders, Orbán maintains warm ties with Putin, even after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which has led to his perception as the EU's most pro-Russia leader. Hungary's dependence on Russian energy—receiving about 75% of its natural gas and 80% of its oil—underpins Orbán's opposition to EU sanctions against Moscow. Politically, Orbán has pursued nationalist, Eurosceptic policies that challenge EU fundamental principles, such as judicial independence and media freedom, leading to Hungary being labeled an “electoral autocracy.” Diplomatically, Hungary's alignment with Russia complicates EU foreign policy, often allowing Orbán to leverage veto power on sanctions and aid for Ukraine. The EU's response has transitioned from reluctance to assertiveness, utilizing legal actions and political tools, including infringement proceedings against Hungary for breaches of EU law. This evolving strategy aims to counter Hungary's democratic backsliding and uphold EU values, despite its significant economic ties to the EU and reliance on its budgetary support.
Regression of LGBTQAI+ Rights in Hungary
Hungary has experienced significant regression in LGBTQAI+ rights under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party since 2010. Key legislative changes include constitutional amendments in 2025 that allow the government to ban public LGBTQ+ events, such as Budapest Pride, alongside restrictive “child protection” laws from 2021 that prevent the depiction of non-heteronormative identities to minors. The current legal framework enables the use of facial recognition technology to penalize attendees of LGBTQ+ events and denies legal recognition to transgender and intersex individuals. The government justifies these measures by claiming to protect children’s moral development, while effectively suppressing rights associated with assembly, legal gender recognition, and same-sex adoption. This situation is further intertwined with the rise of extreme right political ideologies, promoting a narrative that positions LGBTQAI+ individuals as threats to traditional values. The legislation often occurs without public debate and is justified as a defense against perceived foreign liberal influences. The patterns in Hungary closely mirror aspects of Trumpism in the United States, characterized by right-wing populism, nationalism, and hostility toward minority rights, creating a polarized society where LGBTQAI+ communities are marginalized and treated as enemies of the nation.