A Taste of Our Weekly Outlook: This Week in the V4

From electoral strategies to economic reforms, here’s an overview of the latest:

Czechia: A shift in leadership dynamics Populist billionaire Andrej Babiš, leader of the ANO party, is eyeing a solo ruling path after the 2025 elections, as his party maintains popularity in national polls. Criticizing Prime Minister Petr Fiala's administration for its austerity measures, Babiš advocates for increased investment and infrastructure funding. Meanwhile, Fiala asserts that his government is on track to fulfil over 90% of its policy objectives, with pension reform and social benefit revisions on the agenda.

Czechia's military is facing recruitment challenges. General Karel Řehka has suggested implementing more benefits to retain soldiers. Additionally, a major investment is on the horizon as ČEZ plans to collaborate with Rolls-Royce on small modular reactors.

Hungary: Elections heating up As Hungary approaches the 2026 elections, both Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his rival Péter Magyar are mobilizing supporters. Interestingly, Magyar's Tisza party has reportedly surpassed Fidesz in voter support for the first time, indicating a potential shift in the political tide. At a massive rally commemorating the 1956 revolution, Magyar called for a renewed focus on economic issues, education and healthcare.

While navigating complex foreign aid dynamics regarding Ukraine, Orbán's administration seeks to solidify its stance against perceived external pressures, such as Brussels. In migration discussions, Orbán, Slovak PM Robert Fico and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić have agreed to tackle shared challenges more effectively.

Poland: Political turbulence and defence initiatives In Poland, the investigation into the 2010 Smolensk air crash continues to generate controversy, particularly among Law and Justice (PiS) party members who allege Russian involvement. Meanwhile, Donald Tusk is strategizing for the upcoming presidential elections, emphasizing unity among coalition parties.

Poland is also taking decisive action on the defence front, with the Defense Ministry addressing allegations of sabotage linked to Russian operatives. Additionally, the approval of a significant deal for upgrading F-16 aircraft marks a critical step in enhancing national security.

Slovakia: Government stability and EU relations Slovakia recently received the green light for €799 million in post-pandemic recovery funds from the EU, following government assurances of judicial reforms. However, political tensions are surfacing as the Slovak National Party loses MPs amid rising dissatisfaction within the governing coalition.

President Peter Pellegrini’s discussions with German leadership reaffirm the complexity surrounding Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, while Slovakia’s interest in high-tech cooperation with Taiwan underscores its strategic pivot in international relations.

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