European Strongman Leaders Face Declining Popularity Ahead of Elections
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban recently participated in a press conference during the informal EU Summit at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary. Analysts are observing that the so-called "strongman" leaders in Europe, many of whom align with figures like U.S. President Donald Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin, are seeing their popularity decrease ahead of crucial elections.
The inauguration of Trump had been anticipated to energize nationalist-populist leaders and parties across Europe, including Hungary's Viktor Orban, Slovakia's Robert Fico, Germany's right-wing AfD party, and Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party in France. However, this anticipated boost seems uncertain as domestic issues and economic hurdles are adversely affecting their popularity and influence.
Timothy Ash, a senior emerging markets strategist at RBC Bluebay Asset Management, shared insights in an emailed statement, indicating that, “The re-election of Donald Trump for a second term in the U.S. had seemed to be a clarion call for a structural political shift towards similarly populist, MAGA style movements across Europe.” MAGA stands for "Make America Great Again", a historical rallying cry for Trump’s nationalist campaign.
He added, "Actually what we are seeing is a somewhat mixed picture across Europe, and actually with many of Trump's apostles being on the back foot."
