Analysis
Politics
Projects
How Orbán’s Anti-Ukraine Crusade Fuels Hungary’s Election War Machine
10 October 2025
The ‘Grand Budapest’ project was meant to be another unchecked Fidesz-backed mega-development, but it has spiralled into a political standoff. After months of manoeuvring, the city asserted its right to pre-emption, throwing the 5-billion-euro deal into chaos and fuelling opposition backlash.
The City of Budapest is reclaiming land that the national government sold to Emirati developers – a protracted battle which has triggered a major political and legal showdown over who really controls the capital’s future.
While Budapest may see its purchase of the land as a victory, the saga is far from over. The government is expected to challenge the sale in court, using contractual loopholes to block the city’s move.
Subscribe
Democratic security comes at a price. What is yours? By subscribing or donating now gain access to analysis, forecasts and scenarios by leading analysts and reporters who monitor democratic risks and develop policy debate from Central Europe on Central Europe.
MonthlyVAT included
See all details
- Full access to articles and all reports in PDF
- Weekly outlook on democratic security in CEE delivered by e-mail
- Weekly newsletter with essential highlights
- Invitations to all Visegrad Insight events online and offline
AnnualVAT included
See all details
- Individual subscribers only. Check our CORPORATE OFFER below
- 15% Discount (8 EUR off monthly cost if paid annually)
- Full access to articles and all reports in PDF
- Weekly outlook on democratic security in CEE delivered by e-mail
- Weekly newsletter with essential highlights
- Invitations to all Visegrad Insight events online and offline
Student OR Donation
See all details
- Full access to articles and all reports in PDF
- Weekly newsletter with essential highlights
- Some Visegrad Insight events invitations
I am a representative of an institution/business. Is there a corporate offer?
The annual subscription for up to ten institutional users: EUR 999
GO TO CHECKOUT
For a tailor-made offer email us: contact@visegradinsight.eu
- Access to all articles for your team
- Access to all Reports for your team
- Every Monday a Weekly Outlook with an update on key developments in Central Europe delivered by e-mail
- Every Thursday a newsletter with the most important highlights and invitations
- Personal invitations to Visegrad Insight Events
- Foresight, policy, and risk analysis reports (on-demand)
Intelligence prepared by a group of Visegrad Insight Fellows from all across
Can I receive an invoice?
Yes. You will receive a receipt immediately after purchase and a VAT invoice upon request. The subscription amount includes tax. In case of a donation, there is no tax.
Are my credit card details safe?
Yes. The payment is processed by STRIPE www.stripe.com entrusted also by Amazon, Zoom, Booking.com and used by other global NGOs and businesses in the world. We do not store your credit card details.
How modify or cancel my subscription?
At any moment you can manage your subscription and account details. Sign in to modify or cancel.
