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While natalism as a political project has its proponents, few heads of state have been willing to attempt to use the full force of the state to raise birth rates. However, one leader does stand out: Hungary's recently-ousted prime minister, Viktor Orbán. This week, June and Josh take a look at Orban's 16-year term as PM, the effects of his policies, and the ways that right-wing authoritarianism in Europe both mirrors and partners with similar movements in the United States.

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EPISODE ART: Viktor Orbán, the former prime minister of Hungary.

AUDIO CLIPS:

1:08:34 – Marco Rubio speaking in Budapest in February 2026, declaring a "golden era" in relations between Hungary and the United States
1:14:09 – JD Vance calling Donald Trump at an April 2026 Viktor Orban election rally in Budapest

SOURCES:

FOLLOW THE SHOW:

FOLLOW JOSH:

Website: joshboerman.com
Bluesky: @bosh.worstpossible.world
Other podcast: The Worst of All Possible Worlds
Stream: Traditional Scrench

FOLLOW JUNE:

Bluesky: @junlper.beer
Other podcast: Kill The Computer
Writing: June's Substack

ILL CONCEIVED THEME SONG BY: Caleb (Linktree / Bluesky)