Orbán's Mar-a-Lago Visit Echoes Trump's Strongman Visions

Viktor Orbán is bringing his plan to undermine democracy to Mar-a-Lago. He became the Hungarian prime minister after winning a democratic election, but then started to weaken the country's democratic institutions. He did this by undermining the legal system, firing civil servants, politicizing business, attacking the media, intimidating opposition parties, and using anti-immigrant rhetoric.

Former President Donald Trump has made it clear that he would likely attempt similar actions in the United States if he is re-elected for a second term. As the presumptive GOP nominee, he will have the opportunity to share insights with Orbán during their meeting in Florida on Friday.

Instead of meeting with officials from the Biden administration, the Hungarian Prime Minister has chosen to meet with the man he hopes will be the US president again next year. The two leaders have a history of admiring each other, and the fact that Trump's first move as the presumptive GOP nominee is to meet with a European autocrat speaks volumes.

Trump admires Orbán for his strongman leadership style, free from legal and political constraints, which is something he aspires to embody himself. Orbán's close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin mirror those of the former US president. Orbán has expressed support for Trump's promise to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours if elected, a move that would only benefit Putin and legitimize his illegal invasion. Their bond is strengthened by Orbán's frequent praise for Trump, knowing how to appeal to the ex-president's preferences. During a rally in New Hampshire, Trump praised Orbán, hinting at his own authoritarian inclinations by emphasizing the importance of having a powerful leader at the helm.

Orbán's far-right populism, staunch anti-immigration stance, promotion of Christian nationalism, and opposition to LGBTQ rights have made him a role model for Trump's "Make America Great Again" supporters. Orbán has previously spoken at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), a gathering of pro-Trump individuals, and Hungary is set to host another overseas CPAC conference next month.

Orbán, long before Trump entered politics, pioneered a style of leadership that resembles the former reality star and property mogul. Despite being a member of NATO and the EU, Orbán has often taken actions that go against the interests of western democracies. He has clashed with the EU over his anti-immigration policies and delayed Sweden's entry into NATO, which finally occurred this week.

Prior to meeting with the former president, Orbán publicly supported Trump's stance on Ukraine. This endorsement would have pleased Putin and heightened concerns in Kyiv about the implications of a second Trump presidency. Orbán expressed his support for Trump at an economic forum, stating that Hungary is banking on Trump's return for the sake of global peace. The Hungarian leader believes that political change in the US, specifically who holds the presidency, is crucial for achieving a swift peace agreement.

House Republicans blocked President Biden's $60 billion aid package to Ukraine due to Trump's opposition. This has caused soldiers fighting Russia to ration bullets as a result of Trump's influence on US policy even though he is no longer president.

During his State of the Union address, President Biden criticized Trump for his negative stance towards NATO allies and his close relationship with Putin. Biden highlighted Trump's statement that he wouldn't defend NATO states if they didn't meet military spending targets, calling it outrageous, dangerous, and unacceptable. Biden emphasized the need to stand strong against Russian influence.

Biden, who is basing his reelection campaign on a warning that Trump could harm US democracy if given a second term, wasted no time in criticizing Trump for hosting Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán in Florida. Biden's campaign issued a statement condemning Trump for meeting with Orbán, known for undermining democracy in his own country and aligning himself with Vladimir Putin.

The contrast between Biden's pledge to defend American and global democracy in his State of the Union address and Trump's warm reception of Orbán highlights the critical political and geopolitical choices at stake in the upcoming presidential election.

In Budapest, Trump is viewed as a kindred spirit and his return would be welcomed with great satisfaction. In much of Europe, there is already fear over the possibility of a second term for him.

Editor's P/S:

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