MCC Director General Zoltán Szalai welcomes the attendees at the MCC–Center for Fundamental Rights US election night event on 5 November 2024.

Election Night in Budapest: Fun and Anticipation

An election night in Budapest: Hungarian conservatives gathered in anticipation of a Trump victory at an event hosted by MCC and the Center for Fundamental Rights on 5 November. There were serious panel discussions with experts, but also plenty of fun, chatting, drinks and food, with attendees keeping their fingers crossed for the candidate on the right side of history.

European Political Community Summit in Budapest – Here’s What You Need to Know

This week, the largest diplomatic event in Hungary’s history, the European Political Community (EPC) Summit, takes place in Budapest. The meeting will be unusual in several respects: the leaders of the states are convening just two days after the US presidential election, which could significantly influence the focus of the issues discussed.

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris waves as she boards from Air Force Two at LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York, on 2 November 2024.

What Would President Kamala Harris’ Foreign Policy Look Like?

‘The question of what a Harris administration’s foreign policy would be is rather like asking a cat its views on quantum mechanics: you’re unlikely to get much clarity. There’s been a rather large absence of any discernible worldview to distinguish her from her boss, Joe Biden. Indeed, one might say her foreign policy is as elusive as the Hungarian summer—everyone has vague expectations, but no one is quite sure what it’ll look like when it finally arrives.’

Hungarian Prime Minister: US Presidential Election Is Pivotal for Europe

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán highlighted new government measures and plans regarding Hungary’s upcoming EU presidency, the Europe Summit, and recent Brussels policy interventions. He also addressed issues such as economic policy shifts and a national consultation on migration, speaking on public Kossuth Radio.

The Election Decided by 500 Votes: The Election of 2000

While many news outlets had already called the crucial swing state of Florida for Vice President Al Gore on election night 2000, it was eventually Texas Governor George W Bush who got those 25 electoral votes. After two recounts, the second stopped partway through by the Supreme Court, the final tally had Bush up over Gore by just 537 (!) votes in the state, getting him the presidency.

Zelenskyy’s Plan for World War III

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asked the European Council for nothing less than nuclear weapons or a NATO membership. The Ukrainian president presented his five-point ‘victory plan’ to EU leaders on Thursday, which is more of a wish list than an actual plan. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called it a ‘lose-lose situation’ and firmly stated that Hungary will not participate in it.

Scholz Ready to Negotiate with Putin — The First Ray of Hope in the Fog of War?

‘Scholz’s statement is the first ray of light piercing the fog of war that has shrouded Europe for the past two years. It could be downplayed, but Germany remains one of the EU’s most influential member states, and Berlin’s wright is undeniable, despite its current economic challenges. The experience of recent years shows that what Germany pushes for in the EU often becomes reality sooner or later.’