Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban warned he will confront the European Union after upcoming elections during a speech in Budapest.
Harsh Words for Brussels
In his speech in Budapest, Viktor Orban did not spare criticism for EU institutions. “The Brussels repression machine in Hungary is still working, but we will deal with it after the elections,” he announced. The prime minister spoke of “pseudo-civilian organizations, bribed journalists, judges, politicians, algorithms and bureaucrats handling millions of euros” that are limiting Hungarian sovereignty. “Foreign influence must be pushed out,” he emphasized. Orban also cited a report from the U.S. Congress criticizing the European Commission for pressuring tech companies on content moderation before elections in some EU countries. “Those who love freedom should fear not the East, but Brussels,” he stated.
“The Opposition Is Not the Enemy”
The prime minister argued that his real opponent is not Hungarian opposition parties, but the EU establishment. “We already know that our opponents are not Hungarian opposition parties – whether TISZA or the Democratic Coalition. Our opponents are their Brussels owners,” he said. Domestically, he most strongly attacked the largest opposition group – TISZA, describing it as a “creation of Brussels.” The party’s leader, Peter Magyar, according to Orban, is supported by foreign interests. The speech also mentioned specific company names: Shell and Erste. The head of government suggested that Western corporations and “banking elites” are preparing to take power in Budapest, and the war in Ukraine is also bringing benefits.
Energy, War and “International Big Business”
Orban warned that Europe will be killed by “paralyzing energy costs and excessive regulations.” At the same time, he emphasized that Hungary still has an alternative. He assured that in 2025, he negotiated agreements with leaders of the USA, Russia and Turkey that will guarantee the country access to affordable oil and gas from Russia. The prime minister also accused “international big business” of seeking to prolong the war in Ukraine “with the hands of the Ukrainians themselves or – if necessary – with the hands of other Central European nations.” “It’s time for Hungary to wake up and take seriously – deadly seriously – what international big business is preparing for,” he said.
Uncertain Polls for Fidesz
Parliamentary elections in Hungary will be held on April 12. The ruling Fidesz is facing a clear challenge for the first time in years from the united opposition. Most independent polls show that TISZA has a lead of several to several percentage points over Orban’s party. This situation has been maintained for several months. According to polls, Fidesz is even losing several percentage points. Such a loss is unprecedented for Orban. Although experts note that the Hungarian prime minister has repeatedly managed to mobilize voters at the last minute, this time it may turn out that the loss is too large. This may be the reason for such a sharp attack on political opponents in his speech.