Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has compared Hungarian politician Viktor Orbán to ‘Trump with brains’ and described him as Hungary’s most influential contemporary leader. This comes as questions arise about Abbott’s role at a thinktank associated with the recently defeated leader. Orbán’s 16-year tenure as Hungary’s prime minister concluded after his right-wing Fidesz party lost to the opposition Tisza party, headed by Péter Magyar, which secured at least 138 of the 199 parliamentary seats. Abbott has served as a senior visiting fellow at the conservative Danube Institute since 2023, as noted in Australia’s foreign influence registry. The defeat of Orbán raises concerns for organizations like the Danube Institute, which depended significantly on funding from his administration. In a social media post, Abbott commended Orbán for turning Budapest into a refuge for conservative thinkers and expressed hope that the incoming government would maintain this. He highlighted improvements in Hungary’s economy, the revitalization of Budapest, and the country’s family-oriented policies and cultural preservation efforts, which have attracted global attention. While acknowledging differences on Ukraine, Abbott supported Orbán’s resistance to EU directives, particularly on unauthorized immigration, arguing that no independent nation should be pressured by Brussels into measures that threaten its unique identity. Orbán’s leadership in the Central European nation has drawn international criticism. He clashed with the European Council, leading to the withholding of billions in funds over issues including judicial matters, migration, LGBTQ+ rights, and support for Ukraine, where he repeatedly opposed aid and sanctions against Russia. Abbott’s admiration for Orbán dates back before his 2023 appointment at the Danube Institute. In 2019, he lauded the Fidesz leader at a European conference and raised alarms about large groups of military-age male immigrants entering the continent. In a recent podcast with the Danube Institute, just before the election results, Abbott reiterated his praise, portraying Orbán as a fervent nationalist with profound insights who speaks thoughtfully. He contrasted this with former U.S. President Trump, whom he viewed as impactful, but emphasized Orbán’s transformative role in Hungary. Abbott noted that managing immigration involves not only halting unlawful entries but also restricting numbers to preserve national culture. He recognized the varied outcomes of Orbán’s initiatives to boost birth rates as an alternative to migration but urged Australian conservatives to consider similar approaches. Abbott pointed out Australia’s declining birth rates and high immigration levels, suggesting a preference for reduced inflows and more domestic births to ensure positive economic and social contributions. When approached for comments on the election and his position at the Danube Institute, Abbott directed inquiries to his social media remarks.
