European correspondent Christian Smith

In this episode of Nights, host Emil speaks with European correspondent Christian Smith from London, covering a range of international developments. The conversation begins with the highly charged Hungarian election, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbán faces a strong challenge from the TESA party amid widespread concerns over corruption, democratic backsliding, and foreign interference. Orbán’s controversial alignment with figures like Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Rob Schneider—along with his close ties to Vladimir Putin—has drawn international scrutiny, especially as U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance publicly endorsed him, highlighting the geopolitical stakes. The episode then shifts to the UK, where rapper Kanye West was blocked from entering the country due to his history of anti-Semitic and pro-Nazi remarks, leading to sponsor withdrawals and the cancellation of his appearance at the Wireless Music Festival. The decision sparked debate, with some politicians arguing it set a dangerous precedent for free expression. Finally, the discussion turns to a domestic UK controversy involving a Waitrose employee, Walker Smith, who was fired after confronting a shoplifter, igniting public outrage over rising petty crime and corporate policies that discourage staff from intervening. The episode closes with a lighthearted exchange on the absurdity of brazen shoplifting and the irony of being unable to chase a thief in Crocs.