Orbán Secures New Ally: Macron and the French Plutocracy Paving the Way to Hack the EU
French Companies Gain Profitable Business in Hungary Amid Strained German Relations
It appears that an increasing number of French companies are set to benefit from profitable business opportunities in Hungary, attributed to the weakening economic relationship between Germany and Hungary. This cooperation spans various sectors, ranging from energy to the acquisition of the Budapest Airport, which is currently under the ownership of a German company. The question arises as to whether this development will lead to an unprecedented Paris-Budapest alliance, ultimately reshaping the entire Central European region.
Historically, France and Hungary have never been allies or even friends. Traditionally, Hungary has aligned itself with the German sphere of influence, finding itself as the backyard of Germany’s formidable industrial power. However, recent reports suggest that Germany’s flagship industry, the automotive sector, is facing challenges. Moreover, during Chancellor Angela Merkel’s leadership, Hungary provided tax exemptions and administrative support to German companies, allowing them to generate significant profits within the country. In return, Merkel permitted Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to access EU funds, shielding him from criticism coming out of Brussels.
The political landscape has since shifted, with Merkel stepping down and Olaf Scholz showing respect towards Orbán during the latter’s visit to Berlin in 2022. According to Answer Online, an authoritative source, Orbán appears to have developed the impression that Hungary is no longer the preferred choice for German investments. Consequently, he has started to explore new avenues for collaboration.
The potential alliance with France may come as a surprise to many, considering Hungary’s historical inclination towards Germany. In the 19th century, famous Hungarian figures looked up to France and the ideals of the French Revolution as a model for their own country. However, this admiration waned by the end of the century, and the Treaty of Trianon in 1920, following Hungary’s loss in World War I, dealt a final blow to this relationship. Notably, in 1920, there were discussions to sell the Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) to the French in order to secure more favorable borders, but these plans were short-lived. Hungary ultimately remained on the pro-German, anti-France side.
The dynamics between France and Hungary changed after Orbán’s landslide victory in 2010. French companies faced challenges, such as being forced out of the cafeteria business in 2012, despite later having to pay a compensation of HUF 20 billion. However, the situation started to shift between 2015 and 2016.
Orbán and Macron began their cooperation when they successfully removed Manfred Weber from the presidency of the European Commission. With Merkel’s retirement, Scholz’s inauguration, and Germany’s apparent negligence towards Hungary, Orbán seems to have turned towards Paris for potential partnerships.
The cooperation between France and Hungary extends beyond politics. Orbán no longer meets regularly with leading European politicians, except for Macron, whom he has engaged in bilateral talks with three times in the past four years. Additionally, France may potentially supply nuclear fuel for the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, reducing Hungary’s reliance on Russia. Furthermore, there are ambitious joint projects in the works. One such endeavor is the joint acquisition of the Budapest Airport, partnering with French company Vinci Airports. Another project is the development of an ultra-high-speed railway connecting Bucharest and Budapest, fulfilling the French dream of interlinking Central European capitals through such transport systems.
Previously, France’s allies in the Central European region were Poland and Romania. However, these countries have demonstrated a strong pro-United States stance in recent years. Consequently, Orbán’s shift towards Paris presents two favorable opportunities for France. They can penetrate Germany’s backyard and secure a new ally in the region. Nonetheless, the plan could backfire if Donald Trump is reelected, as Hungary may opt for American F-35 fighters rather than French Rafales.
In summary, the weakening German-Hungarian economic relationship has opened doors for French companies to pursue profitable ventures in Hungary. The prospect of a Paris-Budapest alliance, which could reshape Central Europe, is on the horizon. With historical tensions between France and Hungary and the changing political landscape in Europe, these developments highlight the evolving dynamics in the region.
