Hungary, which is reverting back into Moscow's orbit under its authoritarian leader, has hired the firm of former conservative Republican Congressman Connie Mack IV to a $60K a-month PR, strategic consulting/ communications contract.
His Liberty International Group will inform American leaders about the diplomatic efforts and policies of Hungary's prime minister Vicktor Orban.
Earlier this year, the PM raised eyebrows while outlining a plan to develop an "illiberal" state that puts national values over western-style liberal ideology.
His "eastern opening" policy aims to forge closer ties with Russia and Asia. In approving a natural gas pipeline pushed by Moscow, Hungary's parliament defied EU/US sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
The US, according to Reuters, has mounted a diplomatic offensive designed to stop Hungary from cozying up with Vladimir Putin, whom Orban considers a role model.
Kati Marton, former chairwoman of Committee to Protect Journalists, published an op-ed in the New York Times on Nov. 3, arguing that NATO member Hungary is "rapidly sliding toward xenophobia and authoritarianism" as Orban "claims ever-greater powers as the population sees its freedoms curtailed."
She noted that under a new law, Hungary's government virtually controls the media, which are now cheerleaders for Orban.
Mack represented Florida from 2005-2013, served on the Foreign Affairs Committee and chaired the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee.
Wife Mary Bono Mack was a California Congresswoman from 1998 to 2013, while dad Connie III was Florida's Senator and is chairman emeritus of Liberty International Group.
Impact Management Group, which is headed by Republican operative Terry Benham, works to build US support for Ukraine.
Rational 360 has ironed out its six-month $1.2M contract with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund to position it as a “sophisticated global investment fund.”
APCO has signed on to promote this month’s visit of Ahmed Al Khateeb, head of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, to the US.
The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism has signed on Montieth & Co. for strategic communications and media relations duties as chaos grips neighboring Haiti.
Edelman is negotiating a formal contract with the Bahamas for strategic communications on issues impacting its reputation abroad.
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