US Republican Senator Thom Tillis criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for preferring to be “Putin’s puppet” rather than a friend of NATO before Hungary’s spring elections.
Senator Tillis Criticizes Orbán’s NATO Stance
Republican Senator Thom Tillis responded to Orbán’s statement on Sunday, February 8, with a post on X. “It is sad that Orbán clearly prefers to be a puppet of Putin rather than a friend of NATO. Hungarians should consider this as they go to the polls this spring,” Tillis wrote.
Orbán Declares Ukraine an Enemy of Hungary
During a speech in Szombathely, Orbán stated that Ukraine constantly pressures Brussels to cut Hungary off from Russian energy, which would lead to higher utility bills in Hungary. “Ukrainians must understand that they should stop constantly demanding that Brussels cut Hungary off from cheap Russian energy. Anyone who says such a thing is an enemy of Hungary, so Ukraine is our enemy,” Orbán declared.
Trump Supports Orbán’s Reelection
On Thursday, February 5, US President Donald Trump addressed Hungary’s parliamentary elections in April, expressing his support for Orbán. “I proudly supported Viktor in the 2022 elections and I am honored to do so again. Viktor Orban is a true friend, warrior, and winner. I have my full and complete support for his reelection as Prime Minister of Hungary,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Opposition Leader Promises Media Reform
Peter Magyar, leader of the opposition TISZA party, announced that if his party takes power, there will be changes to Hungary’s public media. “After a change of government, we will immediately suspend the broadcasting of news in public media until conditions are ensured that will allow for their objective and impartial operation,” Magyar wrote on X on Sunday.
