Politico: EU may face new “chief troublemaker” after Orbán’s exit

Following the electoral defeat of long-time Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the European Union may see a new politician emerge to take on the role of Brussels’ chief internal critic, according to Politico.

The April 12 election was won by the Tisza Party led by Péter Magyar, bringing an end to Orbán’s 16-year rule.

The new leadership is seen as taking a more constructive approach toward the EU, with expectations that Budapest will no longer block aid to Ukraine.

However, the publication notes that this does not eliminate internal divisions within the EU.

The article outlines several figures who could potentially inherit Orbán’s role as a leading sceptic of Brussels’ policies.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is described as the leading candidate for the role, having already blocked sanctions against Russia and opposed financial assistance to Ukraine. He is referred to in the article as possibly “the Kremlin’s closest — and perhaps last — friend in the EU.”

Czech billionaire and former prime minister Andrej Babiš is also mentioned. Often dubbed the “Czech Trump,” he has criticised aid to Ukraine and opposed EU climate policies.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is described as pursuing a more pragmatic approach, but ideologically closer to Orbán, with some EU diplomats noting occasional alignment with his positions.

Former Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša is also cited as a right-wing politician and supporter of Donald Trump. While more openly supportive of Ukraine than Orbán, he could strengthen the EU’s populist bloc.

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev is also mentioned as sceptical of military aid to Ukraine.

The publication concludes that even without Orbán, the EU continues to include a group of politicians with similar positions, particularly regarding criticism of Brussels, sanctions on Russia, and support for Ukraine—suggesting that internal disputes over foreign policy are unlikely to disappear.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov