Senior US diplomat Robert Palladino will assume leadership of the US Embassy in Budapest as Chargé d’Affaires from 7 March. However, as stated in the embassy’s announcement, Palladino’s mandate is temporary, leaving the race open for the successor to former US Ambassador David Pressman—who will face the enormous task of repairing US–Hungary relations, which were severely damaged by Joe Biden’s envoy.
The Hungarian Foreign Ministry’s plane was denied landing in Sarajevo following a decision by Bosnian Defence Minister Zukan Helez. Helez cited Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s continued support for Milorad Dodik, leader of Republika Srpska. Dodik was sentenced to one year in prison last week on politically motivated grounds.
Hungary maintains regular dialogue with the US administration as it advocates for peace in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated, while warning of irreconcilable differences within the EU regarding the continuation of the war.
‘The centre-right and conservative parties have the chance to develop this [MEGA] into a great movement that can actually save Europe and the European project. They first need the will to unite, and subsequently the vision, clarity and hard work to put their ideas in practice, winning the hearts and minds of every European.’
‘Hungarian Minister for National Economy Márton Nagy recently visited Bulgaria and met with President Rumen Radev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadjov, Minister of Economy and Industry Peter Dilov, and Minister of Tourism Miroslav Borshosh. The meeting marks a significant step forward in bilateral relations.’
At the Peace Through Strength conferences hosted by the Center for Fundamental Rights in Budapest, the distinguished guests discussed the new geopolitical realities brought on by the second Trump administration. They have put a special emphasis on the Hamas–Israeli war, and the attacks on the religious freedom of Jews and Christians alike around the world.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has outlined his government’s ambitious plan to restructure Hungary’s tax system with families at its core. In a radio interview, he reaffirmed his commitment to boosting birth rates through tax benefits while pledging decisive action against inflation. He also addressed international affairs, domestic security, and social policies, including measures against drug trafficking and gender ideology in schools.
Former US Ambassador to Hungary David Pressman continues to badmouth Viktor Orbán and his government. This time, in an interview with American public broadcaster NPR, he claimed that under the guise of conservatism, Orbán embraces nihilistic corruption.
Just an hour ago, independent candidate Călin Georgescu, who had won the first round of the presidential elections in Romania, which was subsequently suspended by the Romanian Constitutional Court without any evidence, was arrested without prior notice.
‘…an attempt to invest into alternative suppliers…can be understood as an effort to diversify supply chains amid rising competition between Washington and Beijing. The United State’s quest to secure its supply of critical minerals is especially timely given the fact that a couple of months ago, in December 2024 China imposed restrictions on the export of several minerals and metals to the US.’