"2025 Will Be Viktor Orban's Year"

Even in its final moments, the Biden-led U.S. government tried to block President-elect Donald Trump from taking office. However, attempts to deter the Republican politician failed, as the case brought against him was concluded before his January 20 inauguration, clearing him of all charges. Georgi Markov, a former Bulgarian constitutional judge now living in Hungary, believes that the new U.S. administration will bring significant changes to global politics. He added: “2025 will be Viktor Orban's year.”

Hungarian PM Viktor orban (Photo: MTI/Zoltan Mathe)

PM Orban is also highly popular in Bulgaria, with as many as two of the Balkan country's leading politicians havinge close ties with him. They are former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, whose friendship with Mr. Orban spans more than two decades, and President Rumen Radev, whose relationship with the Hungarian leader has grown stronger in recent years. Mr. Markov expressed hope that these good relations with Mr. Orban will help Bulgaria break free from its "colonial dependence on the Soros empire."

Schengen expansion during Hungary’s EU presidency

Discussing Viktor Orban’s successes in 2024, Mr. Markov highlighted Hungary’s EU presidency, during which Bulgaria and Romania officially joined the Schengen zone via land routes on January 1. The accession was celebrated in both countries, particularly by ethnic Hungarians in Romania, who can now travel more freely. Mr. Markov also touched on Hungary-Romania relations, emphasizing how Mr. Orban openly supported Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, a move that's led to improved ties between the two nations. He noted that the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ), now a coalition partner in the government, continues to represent Hungarian interests.

Cover photo: Hungarian PM Viktor Orban (Photo: MTI/Zoltan Mathe)