The Globalist

Rubio pledges US support for Orbán ahead of Hungary's parliamentary elections

Feb 17, 2026
Deepak Adhikari, Kathmandu-based journalist covering Nepal's parties and voter concerns. Sheena Rossiter, Monocle editor reporting on clean energy jobs and AI food-crisis models. Jessica Bridger, Zurich-based urbanism writer on new cities, curb management and sustainable Olympic venues. Lili Takash, Hungarian reporter on Rubio’s Budapest visit and Orbán’s campaign. Svetlana Tsikhanouskaya, Belarus opposition leader on prisoners and regional security.
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INSIGHT

Orbán's Main Foe Is Brussels

  • Orbán positions Brussels as Hungary's principal threat, not Russia, deepening his anti-EU narrative.
  • Takash said this rhetoric cements Orbán's conflict with EU institutions and leaves relations at an all-time low.
ANECDOTE

Belarus Described As 'Creeping Occupation'

  • Svetlana Tsikhanouskaya described Belarus as facing a "creeping occupation" by Russia, with Lukashenko serving Russian interests.
  • She recounted building alternative institutions in exile while internal actors leak evidence on regime profiteering.
ADVICE

Sustain Pressure To Support Belarus Opposition

  • Tsikhanouskaya urged sustained external pressure: sanctions, isolation, non-recognition and transatlantic unity.
  • She insisted exile opposition cannot succeed without coordinated international actions.
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