April 06, 2026
Hungary is a country of 10 million people, but what happens there on April 12th could reverberate far beyond its borders. In this week's episode of GZERO World, Ian Bremmer sits down with political scientist and Centre for Liberal Strategies Chairman Ivan Krastev to break down the stakes of the upcoming Hungarian elections.
Viktor Orbán has ruled Hungary for sixteen years, building a political model rooted in EU skepticism, economic ties with China and Russia, and a close alliance with the MAGA movement. Now he faces his strongest challenger yet: Péter Magyar, a conservative former insider whose anti-corruption message has pulled him ahead in the polls.
Krastev traces Orbán's political arc from pro-democratic dissident to nationalist strongman, and explains why his real economic patron is Beijing rather than Washington. He also breaks down what an Orbán loss would mean for EU policy on Ukraine, for Europe's far-right parties, and for Trump's political brand abroad. "For President Trump and for President Putin," Krastev says, "Orbán losing is going to be their personal loss."
Viktor Orbán has ruled Hungary for sixteen years, building a political model rooted in EU skepticism, economic ties with China and Russia, and a close alliance with the MAGA movement. Now he faces his strongest challenger yet: Péter Magyar, a conservative former insider whose anti-corruption message has pulled him ahead in the polls.
Krastev traces Orbán's political arc from pro-democratic dissident to nationalist strongman, and explains why his real economic patron is Beijing rather than Washington. He also breaks down what an Orbán loss would mean for EU policy on Ukraine, for Europe's far-right parties, and for Trump's political brand abroad. "For President Trump and for President Putin," Krastev says, "Orbán losing is going to be their personal loss."
More For You
GZERO Media is back on the podium at the 47th Annual Telly Awards, adding six more trophies to our shelf — including three in Gold! We’re so grateful to be recognized for our groundbreaking work in global analysis and… *checks notes*... geopolitical puppetry.
Most Popular
What's Good Wednesdays
What’s Good Wednesday: May 20, 2026
Sponsored posts
Small businesses face new pressures
A demonstrator throws a tear gas canister back towards the police during a march calling for the resignation of Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz, as the country's economic and fuel crisis worsens due to a shortage of U.S. dollars and falling domestic energy production, in La Paz, Bolivia May 18, 2026.
REUTERS/Claudia Morales
Two weeks of protests have paralyzed Bolivia's capital, La Paz, costing businesses $50 million a day amid the country's worst economic crisis in 40 years. Unions are calling for the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz, just six months into his tenure.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (L) and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung shake hands after a press event following their talks in Andong, South Korea, on May 19, 2026.
Kyodo via Reuters Connect
Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung meet this week for a two-day summit focused on security, energy, and critical minerals. The two leaders appear to differ on China’s engagement in the future of the region.
© 2025 GZERO Media. All Rights Reserved | A Eurasia Group media company.