Le 18/19 d'Hedwige Chevrillon · BFM Business

Grande Interview - Benjamin Couteau, chercheur au sein du Centre Grande Europe de l'Institut Jacques Delors – 09/04

·11 min·1 clip

Why did the U.S. vice-president visit Hungary days before an election that could reshape Europe?

The episode begins by framing the Hungarian election as a critical event for Europe and the United States, noting the visit of U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris. Benjamin Couteau explains that Orbán's ideology, termed 'illiberalism,' mirrors Trumpism through anti-migration, anti-LGBTQ+, and pro-family policies. He references Steve Bannon's view of Orbán as 'Trump before Trump.' A Eurobazuca poll reveals Donald Trump is fracturing Europe's radical right parties, dividing groups like France's RN and Italy's Fratelli. Couteau details Hungary's economic woes, with 0.2% growth over three years and blocked EU funds, which challenger Péter Magyar leverages by focusing on corruption and public services. The discussion shifts to Hungary's geopolitical role, with allegations that its foreign minister debriefed Russian officials on EU meetings, prompting an EU inquiry. Couteau explains the EU's difficulty in enforcing rule-of-law measures via Article 7 due to unanimity requirements and allies like Slovakia's Robert Fico. He contrasts Orbán's internationalist tactics with Magyar's domestic-focused campaign, noting Magyar's pro-Western stance. The episode concludes by speculating on a potential Orbán defeat, its impact on Putin and Trump, and the possibility of election disputes.

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