The article explores the influence of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on former U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, particularly in the realm of natalism. Both leaders aim to increase native-born populations without relying on immigration, with Trump proposing government-funded IVF treatments. The piece highlights the challenges faced by Hungary's IVF system following government intervention, leading many to seek treatment abroad. It also touches on the broader implications of natalist policies in the U.S. and Hungary, including political and social criticisms.

Hungary faces a declining birth rate and population shrinkage, with many citizens choosing not to have children due to economic insecurity and dissatisfaction with government policies. Despite Fidesz's family-friendly initiatives, such as interest-free loans and tax exemptions, these measures have not reversed the trend. The child-free movement is growing, particularly among educated urban dwellers, who feel marginalized by the government's policies. Economic pressures, environmental concerns, and evolving social norms contribute to this trend. Critics argue that the government's selective support and high inflation exacerbate the issue, while demographic experts highlight the complexity of decisions around childbearing.

Peter Magyar emerges as a significant opposition figure in Hungary, mobilizing the youth against Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party. Magyar's new party, Tisza, has gained traction, especially among young voters disillusioned with the current political system. Despite concerns about his past ties to Fidesz, Magyar's appeal lies in his fresh approach and promises of reform. The article highlights the challenges of political apathy among Hungarian youth and the broader issue of brain drain, with many young Hungarians leaving the country. Both Fidesz and Tisza recognize the need to address these issues to retain and attract young talent.

Péter Magyar has emerged as a significant political figure in Hungary, challenging the long-standing dominance of Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party. Magyar's new party, Tisza, has gained traction, particularly among young voters disillusioned with the current political system. Despite concerns about his past affiliations with Fidesz, Magyar's appeal lies in his youthful image and policies aimed at supporting small businesses and independent media. The article highlights the broader issue of political apathy among Hungarian youth and the ongoing brain drain, with many young Hungarians leaving the country. Both Fidesz and Tisza recognize the need to address this exodus, but concrete solutions remain elusive.

The article highlights key stories from the past week, including unexpected Olympic successes in Central Asia, a significant prisoner swap involving Russia, and political mobilization in Hungary led by Peter Magyar. It also covers the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, ongoing military conflicts in Ukraine, environmental issues in Serbia, and censorship efforts by the Kremlin. Additionally, it discusses EU frustrations with Hungary's decision to ease Russian visa restrictions, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions.

Peter Magyar, a rising opposition figure in Hungary, is gaining traction among the country's youth, traditionally known for political apathy. His newly formed Tisza party has made significant electoral gains, challenging Prime Minister Viktor Orban's long-standing Fidesz party. Magyar's appeal lies in his youthful image, social media presence, and policies favoring young voters, such as housing programs and support for small businesses. Despite concerns about his past ties to Fidesz and lack of experience, many young Hungarians see him as a catalyst for change. The article highlights the political disillusionment among Hungary's youth, exacerbated by a significant brain drain, and the efforts by both Fidesz and Tisza to address this issue.

In Budapest, Hungary, social media influencers organized a protest on February 16 against the pardoning of a man involved in child sexual abuse, which led to the resignation of the country's president and former justice minister. The protest attracted a young, politically apathetic crowd, raising concerns for Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party ahead of upcoming elections. Influencers like Judit Banyai used their platforms to mobilize citizens, with political parties across the spectrum endorsing the event. The protest highlighted issues within Hungary's child care institutions and the broader dissatisfaction with the state of democracy and Fidesz's politics. The organizers also raised funds to support a victim of the abuse case, and the event's impact on future political engagement remains to be seen.

Hungary's governing party, Fidesz, is experiencing a significant drop in support ahead of the European elections, largely due to a scandal involving a presidential pardon for Endre K., a former deputy director of a state orphanage convicted of covering up sexual abuse. Despite this decline, opposition parties may not be able to capitalize on Fidesz's weakened position.

Ukrainian refugees in Hungary are conflicted between the hospitality of individual Hungarians and the nationalist government's pro-Russia stance. Despite fewer refugees choosing Hungary compared to other neighboring countries, refugee organizations emphasize that national politics play a minor role in the refugees' quality of life and encourage Ukrainians to reconsider their options in Hungary.

In Hungary, a protest organized by social media influencers on February 16th against the presidential pardon of a child abuse case convict drew thousands, including many politically disinterested youths. The protest, which took place in Budapest's Heroes' Square, was a response to the pardon of a deputy director of a state children's home involved in a sexual abuse case. This event has led to the resignation of the state president and former justice minister. Influencers, comedians, and musicians mobilized their followers, many of whom are young and liberal, to join the protest. The protest was supported by politicians from various parties and was notable for its lack of political flags, aiming to avoid politicization. The scandal has caused widespread outrage in Hungary, especially among the youth, who are generally dissatisfied with the current state of democracy and are disengaged from political parties.