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Hungarian PM praises Trump after Mar-a-Lago meeting
Hungary's far-right Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met with former US President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate, where the two engaged in discussions for an hour, followed by a dinner and a reception. Reflecting on their encounter, Orbán expressed his sentiments in a post-meeting video praising Trump as a "president of peace" and suggesting that the situation in Ukraine would be different had Trump remained in office. Orbán further reaffirmed his backing for Trump's potential re-election bid in November, underscoring the significance of American voters' decision-making process. He said, "It's up to the Americans to make their own decision, and we Hungarians have to be honest: it would be better for the world and better for Hungary if President Donald Trump returned."
Trump reciprocated Orbán's praises, calling him a great leader in Europe and globally. He labeled Orban "fantastic" and "the boss," while expressing his honor at their rendezvous. Orbán's visit to the United States also saw him engaging with figures from Trump's circle, including former advisor Steve Bannon, and former Republican presidential contender Vivek Ramaswamy. Additionally, Orbán participated in an event hosted by the conservative Heritage Foundation think-tank in Washington D.C., where he met with Heritage President Kevin Roberts, further cementing ties between Hungary and conservatives in the United States.
Hungarian set designer Zsuzsa Mihalek wins Oscar for Poor Things
The Academy Awards was held on Sunday, where Zsuzsa Mihalek won an Oscar for Best Production Design for her contributions to "Poor Things." Traditionally, the award is shared with the production designer, James Price, and Shona Heath was also honored with the Oscar for Best Production Design.
Before her Oscar triumph, Mihalek had also garnered recognition at the British Film Awards, the BAFTA, for her remarkable work on "Poor Things." Mihalek was not present in Los Angeles for the Oscars ceremony. Price and Heath expressed regret at her absence, noting their disappointment that "Zsuzsi" could not be there to share the moment.
In 2022, the Oscar organizers decided to delay the presentation of awards in several technical categories, opting against live broadcasts. Consequently, Sipos' victory was disclosed to journalists on-site before reaching audiences tuning into the gala remotely. This topic had been among the matters discussed with Sipos two years prior. Mihalek embarked on her career as a decorator during the 1980s, contributing to films such as "Csinibaba," "Werckmeister Harmonies," and "Argo." Furthermore, she has lent her talents as a set designer to numerous productions filmed in Hungary.
Chinese law enforcement set to patrol Hungarian streets
Chinese police officers are poised to patrol the streets of Hungary as part of potential joint patrols, as confirmed by the Hungarian interior ministry earlier this month, citing a collaboration agreement with China’s Ministry of Public Security, Telex reports. The development follows PM Orbán's hosting of China’s minister of public security, Wang Xhiaohong, in February.
Hungary's interior ministry has outlined that the primary objective of this security collaboration is to enhance safety in tourist hotspots during peak travel periods and at events drawing large crowds. Orbán has notably deepened ties with Beijing in recent years. Amid warnings from the EU and the US regarding potential over-reliance on an increasingly authoritarian China under President Xi Jinping, Orbán has steadfastly pursued his 'Eastern Opening' strategy, positioning Hungary as Beijing's most steadfast partner within the EU. Orbán's proactive engagement was evident in October, as he stood as the sole EU leader attending China’s Belt and Road Initiative summit, engaging in discussions with Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Further solidifying ties, Hungary's foreign minister recently confirmed China's decision to grant visa-free travel to Hungarian citizens from March 14 to November 30, underscoring the deepening rapport between the two nations.
Szijjártó: Hungary can't support Mark Rutte's election as next NATO Secretary General
In a press briefing alongside Mathias Cormann, secretary general of the OECD, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó expressed firm opposition to the prospect of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte assuming the role of NATO Secretary-General, The Guardian reports. Szijjártó emphasized, "We certainly can’t support the election of a person to the position of NATO’s secretary general, who previously wanted to force Hungary to its knees. It would be strange if the Hungarian government were to support his candidacy."
Rutte's nomination faces resistance from Hungary due to his history of vocal criticism against the Orbán government's record on rights issues. Despite this opposition, Rutte garners support from key NATO members, including the United States, positioning him as a potential successor to Jens Stoltenberg.