Viktor Orban

Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok, front right, receives Chinese President Xi Jinping, front left, with military honours in the Lion Court of the Castle of Buda in Budapest, Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Szilard Koszticsak/MTI via APö

China’s Xi receives ceremonial welcome in Hungary ahead of talks with Orbán

Chinese President Xi Jinping has received a ceremonial welcome in Hungary’s capital ahead of a day of talks with Hungarian officials expected to result in further Chinese investments in the Central European country.
 
Péter Magyar, a rising challenger to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, addresses people at a campaign rally in the rural city of Debrecen, Hungary, on Sunday, May 5, 2024. Magyar, whose TISZA party is running in European Union elections, has managed to mobilize large crowds of supporters on a campaign tour of Hungary's heartland, a rarity for an Orbán opponent. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Orbán challenger in Hungary mobilizes thousands at a rare demonstration in a government stronghold

 
Peter Magyar, a former insider within Orban's ruling Fidesz party speaks during a protest outside the Hungarian Interior Ministry building to demand stronger protections for children and Interior minister Sandor Pinter to step down, in Budapest, Hungary, Friday, April 26, 2024. The demonstration was the latest in a series of large anti-government protests that Magyar has mobilized in recent weeks, and comes as the political newcomer is campaigning for EU elections this June with his new party, Respect and Freedom (TISZA). (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Orbán challenger leads protest calling for child protection after sexual abuse scandal in Hungary

 
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban delivers his address at the third Hungarian edition of the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC Hungary, in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, April 25, 2024. (Szilard Koszticsak/MTI via AP)

Hungary’s Orbán urges European conservatives, and Trump, toward election victories at CPAC event

 
Hungarian Prime Minister and Chairman of Fidesz party Viktor Orban addresses a rally launching the campaign of the party for the European Parliamentary and the local elections in Budapest, Hungary, Friday, April 19, 2024. The inscription reads The peace only! The Fidesz only! Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Friday painted a grim picture of a continent teetering on the edge of armed conflict in a speech opening his party's campaign for European Union elections. He called for a changing of the guard among the bloc's leaders. (Szilard Koszticsak/MTI via AP)

Hungary’s Orbán launches EU election campaign with pledge to ‘occupy Brussels’

 

Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s first trip to Europe in five years will start in Paris on Monday as the Asian giant rebuilds its foreign relations, - AP Explains

Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s first trip to Europe in five years will start in Paris on Monday as the Asian giant rebuilds its foreign relations after a prolonged absence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Orban challenger stages anti-government protest in Hungary

Hungary’s Orban touts support for Donald Trump and European far right at CPAC conference

Thousands of protesters rally in Budapest against PM Orban after audio recording release

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Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks during the National Conservatism conference in Brussels, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

Hungary’s leader calls for change at the top in June European elections at a far right gathering

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is urging voters to reject mainstream political parties in European Union elections in June for their failure of leadership.
 
People gather in support of a political newcomer Peter Magyar, a former insider within Hungary's ruling Fidesz party on Saturday, April 6, 2024. A rising challenger to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán mobilized tens of thousands of supporters outlining a plan to unite the country and bring an end to the populist leader's 14-year hold on power. (AP Photo/Justin Spike)

Challenger to Hungary’s Orbán announces new political alternative to tens of thousands of supporters

A rising challenger to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has mobilized tens of thousands of supporters and outlined a plan to unite the country and bring an end to the populist leader’s 14-year hold on power.
 
In this photograph made available by the Republika Srpska Presidential Press Service, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks after receiving the Order of Republika Srpska from Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik during his visit to Banja Luka, Bosnia, Friday, April 5, 2024. Orban is on a two-day visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Republika Srpska Presidential Press Service via AP)

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban receives a medal from pro-Russia Bosnian Serb president Dodik

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban has received a medal from the pro-Russian leader of Bosnia’s Serbs, who has been sanctioned by the U.S. and Britain because of his separatist policies.
 
Former Hungarian government insider Peter Magyar gives a speech next tot Kossut Lajos Square on Tuesdy, in Budapest, Hungary, March 26, 2024. Magyar on Tuesday released a recording that he claims proves senior officials in the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban manipulated court documents to cover up their involvement in a corruption case. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Former Hungarian insider releases audio he says is proof of corruption in embattled Orbán government

A former Hungarian government insider has released an audio recording that he says is proof of official misconduct within high levels of the government of populist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
 
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, left, speaks with French President Emmanuel Macron during a round table meeting at an EU Summit in Brussels, Thursday, March 21, 2024. European Union leaders are gathering to consider new ways to help boost arms and ammunition production for Ukraine. Leaders will also discuss in Thursday's summit the war in Gaza amid deep concern about Israeli plans to launch a ground offensive in the city of Rafah. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

Hungary’s Orbán congratulates Putin on widely criticized Russian election win

Hungary’s populist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin on his victory in an election whose outcome was never in doubt after systematic crackdowns on dissent.
 
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban gives a speech on the steps of the National Museum in Budapest, Hungary, on Friday, March 15, 2024. Orban's speech, commemorating the 176th anniversary of Hungary's failed uprising against Habsburg rule, came as his government seeks to mitigate political damage from the resignation of its former president who stepped down in February over a pardon scandal. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Hungary’s Orbán rails against the EU and ‘the Western world’ in a speech on a national holiday

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has sought to mobilize support for his brand of right-wing populism, urging his supporters in a speech to help him “occupy Brussels” in European Union elections this summer.
 
FILE - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks at CPAC in Dallas, Aug. 4, 2022. Former President Donald Trump is meeting Friday, March 8, 2024, with Orban, a prominent conservative populist whose crackdowns in Hungary have sparked criticism that he's eroding that country's democracy. The meeting comes as Hungary has had conflicts with President Joe Biden's administration. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

EU parliament opens a court case over the decision to release funds to Orban’s government in Hungary

The European Union is embroiled in a damaging legal standoff between its legislature and its executive Commission over the release of billions in frozen funds to the government of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
 
FILE - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks at CPAC in Dallas, Aug. 4, 2022. Former President Donald Trump is meeting Friday, March 8, 2024, with Orban, a prominent conservative populist whose crackdowns in Hungary have sparked criticism that he's eroding that country's democracy. The meeting comes as Hungary has had conflicts with President Joe Biden's administration. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

Trump meets with Hungary’s leader, Viktor Orbán, continuing his embrace of autocrats

Former President Donald Trump has met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a conservative populist whose crackdowns in Hungary have sparked criticism that he’s eroding that country’s democracy.
 
Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, left, shakes hands with his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban at the Carmelite Monastery in Budapest, Hungary, Friday, Feb 23, 2024. Nearly two years after Sweden formally applied to join NATO, its membership now hinges on convincing one country - Viktor Orban's Hungary - to formally ratify its bid to join the military alliance. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Hungary and Sweden agree on defense deal ahead of final vote on Sweden’s NATO accession

The prime ministers of Hungary and Sweden have concluded a defense industry agreement that will expand Budapest’s fleet of Swedish-built fighter jets.
 
FILE - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban arrives for an annual international press conference in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. Nearly two years after Sweden formally applied to join NATO, its membership now hinges on convincing one country, Viktor Orbán's Hungary to formally ratify its bid to join the military alliance. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos, File)

Sweden and Hungary move to smooth over tensions ahead of vote on Sweden’s NATO accession

Hungary’s nationalist government has delayed holding a vote on Sweden’s membership for more than 18 months, creating tension with Stockholm and drawing mounting pressure from its allies to finally move forward on ratification.
 
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban delivers his annual "State of Hungary" speech in Budapest, Hungary, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. The message on lectern reads: "For us Hungary is the first!" (Szilard Koszticsak/MTI via AP)

Embattled Orbán addresses Hungary in first appearance since country’s president quit in a scandal

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has sought to contain the political fallout of a presidential pardon scandal during an annual state of the nation address.
 
People gather during a protest at Heroes' Square in Budapest, Hungary, Friday, Feb 16, 2024. Protesters demand a change in the country's political culture after the conservative head of state resigned amid scandal over a presidential pardon. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Online influencers lead thousands demanding change in Hungary following president’s resignation

Some of Hungary’s best-known online personalities have led a crowd of at least 10,000 protesters to demand a change in the country’s political culture.
 
FILE - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban arrives for an annual international press conference in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson tells his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orbán that more dialogue would be beneficial after Orbán invited the Swede to Budapest to discuss Sweden's NATO accession. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos, File)

Hungary’s Orbán faces a rare political crisis at home after president’s resignation

Hungary’s long-serving government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán faces a rare political crisis after the president resigned amid public anger over her pardoning of a man convicted in a child sexual abuse case.
 
FILE - Hungarian President Katalin Novàk delivers her speech during Pope Francis' meeting with the authorities, civil society, and the diplomatic corps in the former Carmelite Monastery in Budapest, Hungary, April 28, 2023. Hungary’s conservative president has resigned amid public outcry over a pardon she granted to a man convicted as an accomplice in a child sexual abuse case, a decision that unleashed an unprecedented political scandal for the long-serving nationalist government. Katalin Novák, 46, announced in a televised message on Saturday Feb. 10, 2024, that she would step down from the presidency, an office she has held since 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, Pool, File)

Hungary’s president resigns over a pardon to a man convicted in a child sexual abuse case

Hungary’s conservative president has resigned amid public outcry over a pardon she granted to a man convicted as an accomplice in a child sexual abuse case.
 
FILE - Hungarian President Katalin Novàk delivers her speech during Pope Francis' meeting with the authorities, civil society, and the diplomatic corps in the former Carmelite Monastery in Budapest, Hungary, Friday, April 28, 2023. Pressure is mounting on Hungary’s head of state to resign after it was revealed that she issued a presidential pardon to a man convicted as an accomplice in a child sexual abuse case. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, Pool, File)

Pressure mounts on Hungary’s president to resign over pardon in child sexual abuse case

Pressure is mounting on Hungary’s head of state to resign after it was revealed she issued a presidential pardon to a man convicted as an accomplice in a child sexual abuse case.
 
General view of the Hungarian parliament as Fidesz and KDNP stay away from the vote on the ratification of Sweden's NATO membership, in Budapest, Monday, Feb. 5, 202. As Hungary remains the last NATO ally to ratify Sweden's bid to join the alliance, the Hungarian parliament held an emergency parliamentary session on Monday, Feb. 5 to vote on the Nordic country's accession. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has promised that Hungary will act "at the first possible opportunity" to approve Sweden's bid, but his party boycotted the session. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Orbán’s party boycotts a session of Hungary’s parliament to further stall Sweden’s bid to join NATO

Lawmakers from the party of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán have boycotted an emergency session of parliament where a vote was scheduled to place Sweden’s bid to join NATO on the legislative agenda.
 
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban arrives for a lunch at the Elysee Palace after a ceremony for late European Commission president Jacques Delors, Friday, Jan. 5, 2024 in Paris. Jacques Delors, a Paris bank messenger's son who became the visionary and builder of a more unified Europe in his momentous decade as chief executive of the European Union, has died in Paris last week. He was 98. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Viktor Orbán’s anti-woke resistance has made him the ‘splinter under the fingernail’ of the EU

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s role as Europe’s perennial spoiler has frequently brought the European Union to a breaking point as he has blocked crucial decisions to leverage concessions and forced EU leaders to find workarounds.
 
Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico, right, talks to Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban during a round table meeting at an EU summit in Brussels, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. European Union leaders meet in Brussels for a one day summit to discuss the revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027, including support for Ukraine. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

US lawmakers call on Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán to immediately approve Sweden’s NATO membership

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers are urging Hungary to immediately ratify Sweden’s application to join NATO.
 
Passersby look at a mural painting depicting Italian antifascist activist Ilaria Salis in the act of breaking her chains near the Hungarian Embassy in Rome, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. Italy has ramped up its protests over the treatment of Salis being held in a Hungarian jail after images of her appearing chained and shackled at a Budapest court hearing this week sparked outrage here. (AP Photo/Luigi Navarra)

Hungary defends treatment of Italian antifascist activist, says left is hurting Italy-Hungary ties

The Hungarian government is pushing back after Italy protested the treatment of an Italian antifascist activist being held in a Hungarian jail.
 
Members of Ukraine's ethnic Hungarian minority attend a mass at a Catholic church in Uzhhorod, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. Ukraine amended its laws to comply with EU membership requirements, and restored many of the language rights for minorities demanded by Budapest but Hungary's government has indicated it is not fully satisfied — a potentially explosive sticking point as EU leaders meet Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 to try and break Orban's veto of a major aid package earmarked for Kyiv. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Ukraine has improved conditions for its Hungarian minority. It might not be enough for Viktor Orbán

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has long accused Ukraine’s government of violating the rights of an ethnic Hungarian community in western Ukraine.
 
FILE - Hungary's Prime Minister Victor Orban briefs the media in Berlin, Germany, on Feb. 10, 2020. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban sent a letter to his Swedish counterpart, Ulf Kristersson, inviting him to Budapest to discuss Sweden's accession into the NATO military alliance, Orban wrote Tuesday Jan. 23, 2023, in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, File)

Hungary is the last holdout for Sweden’s NATO membership. So when will Orbán follow Turkey’s lead?

After Turkey ratified Sweden’s bid to join NATO on Monday, Hungary became the last member of the military alliance not to have issued its approval.
 
FILE - Hungary's Prime Minister Victor Orban briefs the media in Berlin, Germany, on Feb. 10, 2020. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban sent a letter to his Swedish counterpart, Ulf Kristersson, inviting him to Budapest to discuss Sweden's accession into the NATO military alliance, Orban wrote Tuesday Jan. 23, 2023, in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, File)

Hungary’s Orbán takes step toward breaking deadlock over Sweden’s NATO membership

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has sent a letter to his Swedish counterpart, Ulf Kristersson, inviting him to Budapest to discuss Sweden’s accession into the NATO military alliance.
 
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivers her speech at European Parliament Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024 in Strasbourg, eastern France. Members of the parliament will discuss the results of the Dec. 14-15 summit, outline their expectations for the Feb.1, 2024 special European Council and assess the situation in Hungary and frozen EU funds. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)

European Union institutions gear up for a fight over Orbán’s rule of law record, funds for Hungary

The European Union’s institutions are gearing up for a fight over Hungary and a controversial transfer of 10 billion euros or nearly $11 billion in funds to Budapest.
 
Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico and Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban shake hands after a press conference at the Carmelite Monastery in Budapest, Hungary, Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Slovakia’s leader voices support for Hungary’s Orbán in EU negotiations on funding for Ukraine

The leaders of Hungary and Slovakia say they agree on the need to rework a European Union plan to provide financial assistance to Ukraine.
 
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban arrives for an annual international press conference in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)

Hungary’s Orbán says he agreed to a future meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán says he accepted an invitation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksyy to hold a bilateral meeting in the future.
 
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban arrives for a round table meeting at an EU summit in Brussels, Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. European Union leaders, in a two-day summit will discuss the latest developments in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and continued EU support for Ukraine and its people. (AP Photo/Omar Havana)

Hungary’s Orbán says he won’t hesitate to slam the brakes on Ukraine’s EU membership

Hungary’s prime minister says he’ll have plenty of opportunities in the future to interrupt Ukraine’s process of joining the European Union despite the latest, historic decision to move forward with bringing Kyiv into the bloc.
 
FILE - European Council President Charles Michel, front right, speaks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, front second right, and Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, second row center, as they pose with other European Union leaders for a group photo at an EU summit in Brussels on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. The European Union decided Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023 to open accession negotiations with Ukraine, a stunning reversal for a country at war that had struggled to find the necessary backing for its membership aspirations and long faced opposition from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File)

Ukraine gets EU membership boost, but no new European aid, after setback in US

The European Union has failed to agree on a $54 billion package in financial aid that Ukraine desperately needs to stay afloat, even as the bloc decided to open accession negotiations with the war-torn country.
 
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, top right, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, center, attend the inauguration of Argentina's new President Javier Milei at Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

EU unblocks billions for Hungary even though its leader threatens to veto Ukraine aid

The European Union says it will grant Hungary access to billions of euros in frozen funds. The announcement comes just as Prime Minister Viktor Orban appears ready to defy his EU partners and veto decisions on the opening of membership talks and vital financial aid for Ukraine.
 
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks in parliament, in Budapest, Hungary, Dec. 13, 2023. Hungary's prime minister says his government will block a proposal to start talks on European Union membership for Ukraine at a summit of the bloc’s leaders this week. Speaking to lawmakers in Hungary’s parliament Wednesday, Viktor Orbán said that the time for bringing Ukraine into the EU had “not yet come,” and that the development of a strategic partnership with Kyiv should be a prerequisite for beginning membership talks. (Szilard Koszticsak/MTI via AP)

News outlets and NGOs condemn Hungary’s new ‘sovereignty protection’ law as a way to silence critics

Independent media outlets and rights groups in Hungary have condemned legislation passed by the country’s right-wing populist government that would allow authorities to investigate and prosecute people accused of undermining the country’s sovereignty.
 
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, right, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, attend the inauguration of Argentina's new President Javier Milei at Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. At center is unidentified. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Orbán says Hungary will block EU membership negotiations for Ukraine at a crucial summit this week

Hungary’s prime minister says his government will block a proposal to start talks on European Union membership for Ukraine at a summit of the bloc’s leaders this week.
 
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