The shocking election defeat of Viktor Orbán by the anti-corruption fighter Péter Magyar has unexpectedly strengthened the position of the Czech populist leader Andrej Babiš in Central European politics. In the context of growing crises in the EU – the energy crisis, deindustrialization, and record global debt – expert Erik Best reveals how pragmatic leaders like Babiš, Orbán, and the Slovakian Robert Fico are outmaneuvering Brussels by remaining within the EU in order to benefit from its impending collapse. Find out why the Hungarian turnaround is boosting Babiš at the NATO summit and signaling a populist resurgence.

In a compelling analysis that is causing a stir in geopolitical circles, American political expert and journalist Erik Best presents a groundbreaking thesis: Viktor Orbán's stunning election defeat is not a death knell for European populists – it is fuel for Andrej Babiš's rocket. Shortly after the Hungarian elections, where Orbán's long-invincible Fidesz machine collapsed under the wave of anti-corruption sentiment, Best argues that this vacuum catapults Babiš into the position of the leading critic of the EU in Central Europe. "Suddenly, his position is stronger because Orbán is gone, and the Czech Republic will overshadow Slovakia," jokes Erik Best in a Czech interview with the experienced host Alexandra Mynářová on the YouTube channel XTV.

Two years ago, Péter Magyar, a previously unknown figure who had been a member of Fidesz for 22 years, took over a marginal party and transformed it into a political force. Fueled by opposition to Orbán's "Goebbels-style propaganda" and corruption scandals, Magyar's party, Tisza, achieved a resounding victory. Even Orbán's staunch supporters acknowledge: if he moderates his pro-European enthusiasm, he could succeed. The New York Times already hailed him as a rising star in 2022 – was that prophetic? Guest Ladislav Jakl predicts that Magyar, as a true "Hungarian," will not fully submit to Brussels. However, Erik Best sees this as opportunism: "He exploited the crises and switched to a different boat – no firm principles, just adaptability."

The wave of European "polycrises" makes Babiš's promises almost impossible to fulfill. Erik Best lists six major threats beyond COVID: two wars triggering an energy apocalypse, EU elites boasting about "deindustrialization" through the Green Deal and the emissions trading system (ETS1/ETS2, which are destroying factories), and the largest pile of debt in human history. And what about the US fiscal deficit? A cunning $210 billion hidden in White House propaganda. And the Czech one? A massive deficit of 310 billion Czech crowns. These are not abstract concepts; they are about factories closing, power outages, and empty wallets that affect ordinary people from Budapest to Prague.

And here enters Andrej Babiš. Without Orbán as a rival, this Czech billionaire and politician – the current Czech prime minister – is challenging the NATO dogma of escalating arms. Is the Czech president, Petr Pavel, trying to draw attention at the NATO summit in Washington? It's best described as the antics of a "pop president," a rock star who avoids the rules. The constitution, in § 63, requires the prime minister's co-signature for foreign trips. Pavel's letter to Babiš is a cry of overstepping authority. He quickly changed his mind: on April 4th, he said, "The delegation is chosen by the government." A few weeks later: "It's my prerogative!" Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and Foreign Minister Petr Macinka sharply criticized this – disagreeing with the American president risks conflicts in national politics. Pavel's supporters, such as constitutional expert Jan Kysela, encourage him. A short-term popularity boost, but a crisis looms.

Erik Best praises "smart money": Babiš, Orbán, Fico. They harshly criticize the EU's poor management, but remain in power. Why run now? Václav Klaus warned: opposition to the Lisbon Treaty would topple him. "Wait until the EU collapses on its own," urges Erik Best. It's a test of endurance: "How much can we take?" Maximize benefits – finances, influence – while also protecting yourself against collapse. Is the SPD party flirting with referendums on leaving NATO? Reckless. Confirm loyalty: "We're in it, we defend it – but we're prepared if it collapses." Trump's strategy of spheres of influence (J. D. Vance's love for Budapest) supports this; Orbán's conservative allies in the US mourn his fall, while the "decline" of Europe accelerates.

Hungary? Just a blip. Ursula von der Leyen rejoices: "The heart of Europe beats stronger!" Brussels will extract reforms through vetoes. But the crisis will "sweep him away," predicts Best – a "temporary step" before Orbán 2.0, without corruption, emerges. The Hungarian minority government is faltering on the brink of a coalition collapse or the departure of MPs; voters are not the only ones toppling him. Before the elections, Orbán toyed with the idea of seizing presidential power through his parliament, which has no power left – now it's a thing of the past, but his fifth term (overall sixth) is looming in four years, in the style of Trump. Babiš is his mirror image: speculation about a successor puts him at odds with Havlíček.

This isn't just chatter from an ivory tower. Orbán's fall proves that even "autocrats" (he wasn't one, as Erik Best points out – real autocrats don't lose elections) are subject to the anger fueled by corruption. Babiš is thriving and prioritizes fiscal prudence over endless aid to Ukraine. The Central European trio (Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia) forms a realistic bloc that tolerates growing pains for future influence. Trump's return? The parallels between Orbán and Babiš scream about a comeback. The EU's arrogance – decimating its own competitiveness – seals its fate.

Best's verdict: Crises rewrite the rules. Rigid ideologues like Petr Pavel fail; pragmatists who can adapt are in power. The Hungarian surprise? Babiš's gain, Europe's awakening.

gnews.cz – GH

You can watch the entire video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fraVuaO9C3g