In Germany, resistance is mounting within the Bundestag against a planned multi-billion Euro purchase of combat drones, primarily due to the involvement of controversial investor Peter Thiel in one of the contracting firms. The Parliamentary Budget Committee is expected to approve the procurement of drones valued at up to 4.32 billion Euros by the end of February. Concerns among political circles have been raised regarding Thiel's investments, aligning with a broader skepticism about foreign influence in military contracts. The information comes from several classified requests from the Finance Ministry that have been obtained by Süddeutsche Zeitung, shedding light on the contentious nature of this procurement process.

In a parallel story, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is reportedly seeking assistance from the Trump administration in preparation for the upcoming April elections, where he faces the risk of losing power. The visit from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio offers Orbán a chance to reinforce ties with the United States, especially as Hungary has positioned itself as a model for an 'anti-woke agenda' that resonates with several factions within the American conservative movement. This visit comes at a critical time, as local political dynamics in Hungary shift under the pressure of electoral challenges.

Both stories illustrate the complex interplay of international relations and domestic political struggles. They highlight how both German and Hungarian leaders are navigating significant challenges, whether through opposition to foreign investment in military procurement or seeking allies abroad in times of electoral uncertainty. These developments reflect broader trends in European politics, including skepticism towards influential international economic players and a rise in populist governance strategies.