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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared the European Union, not Russia, to be the primary threat to Hungary during a speech to supporters on Saturday, intensifying his nationalist party’s anti-EU rhetoric with just eight weeks remaining before critical national elections.
“We must get used to the idea that those who love freedom should not fear the East, but Brussels,” Orbán told the crowd, referring to the EU’s headquarters in Belgium. “Fear-mongering about Putin is primitive and unserious. Brussels, however, is a palpable reality and a source of imminent danger. This is the bitter truth, and we will not tolerate it.”
The April 12 vote represents the most significant challenge to Orbán’s political dominance since his right-wing populist Fidesz party returned to power in 2010. Most independent polls show Fidesz trailing behind the center-right Tisza party led by Péter Magyar, a situation that has prompted increasingly aggressive campaign tactics from the incumbent.
Orbán has controversially claimed, without evidence, that an EU-led government would send Hungarians to fight and die in neighboring Ukraine. During his address, he compared the European Union to the Soviet regime that dominated Hungary for over four decades in the 20th century.
The prime minister’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict has consistently diverged from mainstream European positions. He has steadfastly opposed military and financial assistance to Kyiv since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, maintaining warm relations with Moscow while characterizing Hungary’s EU and NATO partners as warmongers. In December, Orbán even suggested ambiguity about responsibility for the war, saying it was “unclear who attacked whom.”
Hungary’s relationship with the EU has deteriorated significantly under Orbán’s leadership. The bloc has frozen billions of euros in funding to Budapest over concerns about democratic backsliding, judicial independence, and widespread corruption. In response, Orbán has increasingly disrupted EU decision-making processes, regularly threatening to veto key policies, particularly those supporting Ukraine.
As election day approaches, Orbán has intensified his attacks on the Tisza party, portraying it as a puppet created by the EU to overthrow his government and serve foreign interests. Magyar’s party has firmly rejected these accusations, promising to repair Hungary’s damaged relationships with Western allies, stimulate the stagnant economy, and restore democratic norms.
During his Saturday address, Orbán accused multinational corporations, particularly banks and energy companies, of profiting from the Ukraine war and conspiring with his political opponents to defeat him. “It is crystal clear that in Hungary the oil business, the banking world and the Brussels elite are preparing to form a government,” he claimed. “They need someone in Hungary who will never say no to Brussels’ demands.”
Orbán pledged that if Fidesz secures a fifth consecutive majority, he would accelerate efforts to eliminate entities he considers threats to Hungarian sovereignty. He praised former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has endorsed Orbán ahead of the election, for creating conditions that allow for the removal of “fake nongovernmental organizations and bought-and-paid-for journalists, judges and politicians.”
“The new president of the United States has rebelled against the global business, media and political network of liberals, thus improving our chances,” Orbán said, apparently referring to Trump’s anticipated return to the presidency. “We, too, can go a long way and expel foreign influence from Hungary, along with its agents, that limit our sovereignty.”
With a menacing tone toward his opponents, Orbán concluded: “The Brussels repressive machine is still operating in Hungary. We’ll clean it up after April.”
The upcoming elections will determine whether Hungarian voters embrace Orbán’s nationalist, Russia-friendly approach or opt for Magyar’s promise of improved Western relations and democratic reforms.
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9 Comments
Orbán is clearly trying to rally his base by painting the EU as the enemy, not Russia. This populist approach is risky and could further strain Hungary’s relationship with its European neighbors. I hope voters see through the political posturing.
Well said. Orbán’s divisive tactics seem designed more for political gain than addressing genuine concerns. Hopefully, Hungarians will look beyond the rhetoric and make an informed choice in the elections.
This escalating rhetoric against the EU from Orbán is concerning. While he may have a point about Brussels’ influence, casting them as a greater threat than Putin goes too far. Voters will have a tough choice in April.
Interesting to see Orbán’s fiery rhetoric against the EU rather than Russia. It reflects the complex political dynamics in Hungary ahead of the upcoming elections. I wonder how his nationalist message will resonate with voters.
The comparison to the Soviet regime is a provocative one from Orbán. While the EU certainly wields significant influence, equating it to an authoritarian system seems hyperbolic. Curious to see how this message resonates with the electorate.
Orbán’s anti-EU rhetoric is ramping up ahead of the elections. While the EU may have its flaws, framing them as a greater threat than Russia is a dubious claim. Voters will have to weigh these competing narratives carefully.
Orbán’s inflammatory language towards the EU is concerning. While the EU’s influence is undeniable, portraying them as an immediate danger on par with Russia is an oversimplification. Voters will have a nuanced choice to make in April.
Orbán’s comparison of the EU to the Soviet regime seems like an exaggeration, but it aligns with his populist, anti-establishment brand. Curious to see how this plays out and whether he can maintain his grip on power.
Agreed, the Soviet comparison seems like political posturing rather than a fair assessment. It will be telling to see if Hungarians buy into Orbán’s framing of the EU as the real threat.