How Hungary’s knife-edge election could impact the US and Russia

How Hungary’s Knife-Edge Election Could Impact the US and Russia

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has led the country for 16 years, navigating a political landscape that has drawn scrutiny from global powers. His ties to both Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump have amplified the significance of the 12 April elections, which could shift regional dynamics. The BBC’s Europe Editor Katya Adler traveled to Felcsút, Orbán’s hometown, to explore the stakes of this close contest.

The election outcome may influence international relations, with analysts highlighting its potential to reshape alliances. Meanwhile, unrelated events unfolded elsewhere. US exhibition squad the Harlem Globetrotters joined Pope Francis in Vatican City, demonstrating a basketball trick on his finger. In another tragic incident, the mother of a 16-year-old girl killed by a scrambler described her life as a “living nightmare” since the event.

Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit expressed regret over her association with late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A commercial flight from Dubai arrived in Dublin, marking a return to normalcy after US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Video from Italy’s fire brigade showed a wolf rescued from beneath a bridge, capturing public attention. In Germany, a collapsed cooling tower at the decommissioned Frimmersdorf power plant left onlookers stunned.

Survivors on the front lines in Ukraine recounted harrowing experiences during the Russian conflict. In northern Italy, the annual Battle of the Oranges began, with citizens tossing fruit for festive fun. Ms Pelicot described the man she lived with as “inconceivable” for committing the atrocities. Jessica and Jacques Moretti face charges of involuntary manslaughter, bodily harm, and arson through negligence.

Spain grappled with floods caused by Storms Marta and Leonardo, displacing thousands. Nazar Daletskyi’s family was informed he died in 2022, the first year of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Russian editor Steve Rosenberg reported from the capital’s outskirts, where Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev was injured in an attack. In Oslo, Marius Borg Høiby denied rape and other serious charges during his court appearance.

Russian strikes damaged energy systems, leaving millions in freezing cold without power. Rome’s residents mourned the loss of fashion icon Valentino, who passed away at 93. Italy’s capital introduced a €2 fee for accessing its iconic fountain, previously free to the public. Despite hardships, Ukrainians found moments of joy in unexpected places, even as Russian attacks disrupted utilities and cold weather gripped the nation.