Viktor Orbán, a favorite of MAGA conservatives, has left his country in a dire state. Once considered one of Central Europe’s wealthiest nations, Hungary is now among the poorest in the EU. Industrial production is falling, productivity is low, unemployment is rising, and talented people are fleeing due to corruption concerns. Despite this, Orbán maintains a significant influence on American politics, with meetings with Trump and praise from prominent conservatives. The Index of Economic Freedom ranks Hungary at the bottom of the EU for government integrity, highlighting the need for reform.
(Note: I have rephrased some sentences to improve clarity and concision while maintaining the essential information.)
Source: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/05/viktor-orban-hungary-maga-corruption/682111