‘Jesus Christ brought to humanity the message of hope, God’s love above all else, and salvation, thus overcoming darkness as a divine source of light proclaiming salvation. This is why the dawn takes on a special significance in anticipation of his birth.’

A recent AFP articles titled ‘Orban’s soft power shines as Hungary hosts Israeli match’ apparently praised the Hungarian leadership for welcoming many Israeli football teams in the midst of the ongoing Hamas–Israel war. However, as expected, the piece also insinuates that the Hungarian government at times ‘veers into’ antisemitism, citing as an example the anti-Soros billboard campaign of 2017.

In recent days jihadist insurgents in Syria have launched attacks with an intensity not seen in years, raising the threat of reigniting the civil war that began thirteen years ago. On Monday, 2 December Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met with Syrian Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II to express his support for the Syrian Christian community.

Despite insisting for months that he would not, US President Joe Biden issued a pardon to his son Hunter Biden on Sunday, 1 December. Hunter Biden was convicted on three felony counts of making false statements on a federal firearm purchase form and three felony counts of tax evasion earlier this year. However, peculiarly, his pardon covers any other potential crimes he may have committed in the last decade as wel.

With 6.4 per cent of the total vote, the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ) has achieved its best result in Romanian parliamentary elections since 2000. RMDSZ President Hunor Kelemen highlighted that Hungarian voters in Transylvania recognized the danger posed by the rise of extremist parties threatening their community.

Last Friday an explosion occurred at a canal near the town of Zubin Potok in Kosovo, a key component of the country’s energy supply. While Pristina blames Belgrade for the incident, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has called for an independent investigation.