Weidel and Orbán Unite: Far-Right Leaders Criticize EU Policies in Budapest Meeting
February 12, 2025
Orbán has faced criticism from the EU for alleged violations of democratic principles, recently losing access to approximately one billion euros in EU aid due to a lack of anti-corruption reforms.
Experts have raised concerns about Weidel's economic and foreign policy plans, suggesting they could lead to chaos in Germany's economy.
Weidel and Orbán also share opposition to European sanctions against Russia, reflecting their similar stances on immigration and the war in Ukraine.
On February 12, 2025, Alice Weidel, the leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Budapest, where she praised Hungary as a 'great example' for Germany.
During their meeting, Orbán expressed his honor in hosting Weidel, referring to her as 'the future of Germany' in a social media post, which underscores the significance of this political engagement.
Both leaders criticized the European Union's immigration and climate policies, arguing that these regulations harm the European economy and should be dismissed.
Weidel aligned her views with Orbán's, specifically criticizing Germany's energy and migration policies while expressing a desire to end similar trends in Germany and France.
Orbán's engagement with the AfD is seen as an endorsement for a party scrutinized for alleged extremism by Germany's domestic intelligence agency, which the AfD denies.
As Germany prepares for an early election on February 23, 2025, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government, the AfD is currently polling in second place with around 20% support.
Recent protests have erupted across Germany against the far-right, with demonstrators urging mainstream parties to avoid collaboration with the AfD.
Despite challenges in Germany, the commentary argues that Hungary cannot serve as a valid model, particularly regarding civil rights issues.
The meeting between Weidel and Orbán highlights the growing ties between far-right politicians in Europe, as they seek to consolidate right-wing forces internationally.
Summary based on 17 sources
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Sources

Yahoo News • Feb 12, 2025
German far-right leader to meet Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán
Yahoo News • Feb 12, 2025
In Budapest, German far-right leader lauds Orbán's Hungary as 'model'
Yahoo News • Feb 12, 2025
Hungary's Orbán meets head of far-right German party AfD, calling her 'the future of Germany'
The Independent • Feb 12, 2025
Hungary's Orbán meets head of far-right German party AfD, calling her 'the future of Germany'