Orbán opposes Trump's idea to increase NATO defense spending
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and US President-elect Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has spoken out against increasing defense spending above 2% of GDP. He believes that this will hurt the Hungarian economy.
According to him, the Hungarian authorities are concerned about the possibility of increasing defense spending to more than 2% of GDP. Orbán said that such a decision would be a painful blow to the economy.
According to him, Budapest would prefer to see “international conditions that would allow for a reduction (in defense spending - ed.), but the world is moving in a different direction.”
Why Orbán's statement is unexpected
The political relations between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and US President-elect Donald Trump are characterized by shared views on a number of key issues. In particular, Orbán supports Trump's statements about Russia's war against Ukraine.
Orbán and Trump recently met at Trump's residence in Mar-a-Lago, Florida. Orbán spoke about the meeting, but Trump did not comment on it.
The Hungarian prime minister has also expressed direct or indirect support for the Russian regime numerous times.
According to Reuters analysts, Trump's victory could increase economic risks for Hungary.
Several media outlets wrote that Trump would demand that NATO member states increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, but plans to continue providing military assistance to Ukraine.
