Orbán assumes EU presidency with "Make Europe Great Again" pledge

Hungary is set to take up the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, a move that has raised concerns among EU leaders due to the country's reputation as a "perennial spoiler" under the leadership of Viktor Orban. Orban, a hard-right populist, has repeatedly attacked and demeaned the EU's institutions, claiming they threaten Hungarian sovereignty, destroy its middle class, and attack its agricultural sector. Hungary has also used its veto power to block decisions made by other member states at the EU level.