Hungary Democracy
Italy PM Meloni, Hungary's Orban pledge cooperation on migration, Ukraine
Italy's Premier Giorgia Meloni met her Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban on Wednesday in Rome, where the two discussed the situation in the Middle East, their support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and their commitment to the eastern country's reconstruction. Meloni also congratulated Orban on his six-month rotating presidency of the EU Council, the first chapter of accession talks with Albania and the progress made with Bulgaria and Romania in the expansion of the Schengen area, according to a statement from the Italian government. The two far-right leaders also discussed the Middle East conflict, support for a peaceful resolution in Ukraine, and their nations' commitment to Ukraine's reconstruction ahead of the next recovery conference, which will be held in Rome in July 2025. During the 1 1/2-hour meeting at the Italian government's headquarters the leaders also emphasised the importance of addressing irregular migration, calling for increased cooperation with countries
 "Italy PM Meloni, Hungary's Orban pledge cooperation on migration, Ukraine")
Hungary's PM Orbn faces new serious challenger in upcoming EU elections
About three months ago, a scandal rocked five-time nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orbn's Fidesz party which prides itself on upholding family values and Christian conservatism. As party leaders attempted damage control after close Orbn allies, President Katalin Novk and Justice Minister Judit Varga, were forced to resign over a presidential pardon for a man convicted of covering up a string of child sexual abuses, Pter Magyar saw a chance and broke ranks with the party in February. In a matter of weeks, Magyar a 43-year-old lawyer built a political movement, now poised to become Hungary's largest opposition force and challenge Orban's party in the June 9 European Parliament and municipal elections. Magyar said in a recent interview with The Associated Press that the upcoming vote was a prelude to his planned run in the 2026 Hungarian national elections. Whether he can score a win remains to be seen. Orbn has delivered his Fidesz party four straight wins in Hungary's parliamen
 "Hungary's PM Orbn faces new serious challenger in upcoming EU elections")
In a first, EU moves to cut money for Hungary over damaging democracy
EU executive proposes taking 7.5 billion euros from Hungary; 27 EU countries have three months to decide, no veto; Hungary pledges to meet all commitments to unlock EU funds
 "In a first, EU moves to cut money for Hungary over damaging democracy")
Hungary amends constitution to extend govt's state of emergency powers
The amendment would enable government to declare a state of emergency in case of an armed conflict, war or humanitarian disaster in a neighbouring country
 "Hungary amends constitution to extend govt's state of emergency powers")
Viktor Orban takes oath as prime minister of Hungary for fifth time
Orban's party alliance received 54 per cent of the votes in the parliamentary elections of April 3, a feat that gave him 135 seats of the 199 in Parliament
Democratic standards in EU under threat in Poland, Hungary, says commission
Democratic standards in the European Union are eroding in several member countries, particularly in Hungary and Poland where judicial independence is under threat
 "Democratic standards in EU under threat in Poland, Hungary, says commission")
Democracy is on the brink in Hungary, so why is no one talking about it?
Orbán has long been a nationalist but his rhetoric of late has whipped up xenophobia
 "Democracy is on the brink in Hungary, so why is no one talking about it?")
