Nina and Alexandra open with the latest headlines from the region, including the de-linking of Albania and North Macedonia’s EU accession paths, the opening of the “foreign agents” registry in Georgia, diplomatic efforts by Ukraine, concerning announcements from Russia, and finally the Austrian elections. 

Alexandra then speaks with journalist and educator Mate Halmos about the daily reality of living in Viktor Orbán’s Hungary after 15 years of democratic backsliding and state capture. They discuss inequality between urban and rural areas, local corruption, and what has made Orbán popular among the “everyday Hungarian.” Mate also shares what makes him hopeful about Hungary’s future and how education can be a solution to the country’s increasingly absurdist and decisive political scene.  To learn more about CEU’s Socrates Program, which Mate organizes:

• https://www.facebook.com/CEUSocrates/ 
• https://www.ceu.edu/hu/kee/socrates-program
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC4qTLccG2E 
• https://studentengagement.ceu.edu/socrates-project-profiles

Help us reach 60 patrons - join us on Patreon - www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope