BUDAPEST, Hungary — Prime Minister Viktor Orban has intensified his rhetoric against the European Union, claiming that the bloc represents a more significant threat to Hungary than Russia. Speaking at a rally, Orban accused EU officials of attempting to destabilize his government by backing opposition parties.
Orban, who has been in power since 2010, is facing unprecedented challenges ahead of the upcoming elections in April. His ruling Fidesz party, though traditionally dominant, is lagging behind the conservative Tisza party in several recent opinion polls.
In his address, Orban expressed his distrust of the EU, emphasizing, “Those who cherish freedom should be wary not of the East, but of Brussels.” He dismissed concerns about Russian President Vladimir Putin, labeling them as “simplistic fears.” “The reality of Brussels is far more pressing and poses an imminent danger,” he added.
Orban specifically targeted the Tisza party’s leader, Peter Magyar, accusing him of being a pawn for EU authorities. He claimed that Magyar’s rise was orchestrated by prominent EU figures such as Manfred Weber and Ursula von der Leyen. “Our true adversaries are not the Hungarian opposition; they are the influencers in Brussels,” Orban stated. He suggested that outside interests aim to impose a government in Hungary that would concede to their demands.
Magyar, a former member of Orban’s party, distanced himself from Fidesz after a public backlash regarding a controversial presidential pardon related to child sex abuse. His leadership of the Tisza party has enabled it to emerge as a formidable political force, advocating for a foreign policy that aligns closely with Western interests.
Orban’s government, facing pressure as its popularity wanes, has taken a combative approach toward civil society, which Orban described as compromised by external influences. He vowed to dismantle what he termed “pseudo-civil organizations and paid influencers” if re-elected. “The machinery from Brussels is still active in Hungary, and we intend to rectify that after April,” he pledged.
The Prime Minister also lauded former U.S. President Donald Trump for challenging global political narratives, asserting it has helped bolster Hungary’s sovereignty. “We share a vision of expelling foreign influence and its agents from our country,” Orban declared, reiterating his longstanding support for Trump’s diplomatic approach regarding Russia and Ukraine.
As Hungary inches closer to the elections, the campaign is poised to reflect not just domestic concerns but a broader struggle over national sovereignty amidst evolving relationships with both the EU and Russia. As the political landscape shifts, the stakes for Orban and his opposition continue to rise, setting the stage for a contentious electoral battle.