Hungary’s Orban says EU bigger threat than Russia before April elections | Politics News
Hungary’s Orban Promises to Strengthen Sovereignty Ahead of Upcoming Elections
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban declared that his country should be more wary of the European Union than of Russia during his annual state-of-the-nation address on Saturday. He committed to dismantling what he described as the EU’s “oppressive machinery” in anticipation of a contentious parliamentary election set for April 12.
In his remarks, Orban vowed to eliminate “foreign influence” and its agents that he claims limit Hungary’s sovereignty. His ruling Fidesz party currently trails the opposition Tisza Party by 8 to 12 percentage points in polls as the election approaches.
“Fear-mongering about [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is primitive and unserious,” Orban stated, emphasizing what he views as a more immediate threat from Brussels, which he likened to the repressive Soviet regime that ruled Hungary for decades during the last century.
Since returning to office in 2010, Orban has been on a campaign against what he calls “pseudo-civil organizations” and has targeted journalists, judges, and politicians who he believes oppose his vision of an “illiberal state.” His tough stance on immigration has similarly inspired right-wing leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump.
In his speech, Orban claimed that his efforts to purge liberal forces from Hungary are only “half-done.” He acknowledged Trump’s support, stating that the U.S. leader has “rebelled against” a global network that he claims undermines national sovereignty.
Trump recently endorsed Orban on his Truth Social platform, calling him a “strong and powerful leader with a proven track record.” This endorsement coincides with the planned visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Hungary on Sunday. Rubio will travel from the Munich Security Conference in Germany, with a stop in Slovakia to meet with nationalist Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Orban framed the upcoming elections as a crucial decision between “war or peace.” He warned in a Facebook post that a victory for Peter Magyar’s Tisza Party could entangle Hungary in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. To bolster his narrative, Orban has launched a campaign depicting Magyar as a “Brussels puppet,” featuring billboards that portray him as unwittingly supporting Ukraine amid European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s demands for financial aid.
Orban’s rhetoric and strategic alliance with Trump signal a continuation of his defiance against EU policies, as he seeks to consolidate support ahead of the approaching elections.
