Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán made strong claims this past Saturday. He said foreign powers, including the European Union (EU) and the “liberal American empire,” are threatening Hungary’s sovereignty. Orbán voiced these concerns before thousands of supporters during Hungary’s national holiday. His comments reflect his ongoing defiance against international pressures on his government.
Orbán Accuses the EU of Overreach
Orbán told the crowd that the European Union was trying to control Hungary. He drew comparisons to past periods of domination, saying it was like the time when Hungary was under the control of the Habsburg Empire.
“There is always an empire trying to take our freedom, and today it is Brussels,” Orbán declared. He believes the EU is not just working with Hungary but trying to control its policies, especially in foreign relations and governance.
The prime minister went on to claim that the war in Ukraine was a way for the EU to extend its influence. He said the EU was not helping Ukraine but using the war to increase its power in Eastern Europe. He argued that the EU wanted Ukraine to join the union, which would come at a heavy cost. Orbán warned that the EU’s goal was not about supporting Ukraine’s freedom but about gaining more control over the region.
“The Empire doesn’t want to help, but to rule, and the price is war and Ukraine’s EU membership,” Orbán said. He finished with a nationalist rallying cry: “Union, but without Ukraine.”
Media, Civil Rights, and Foreign Influence
Orbán’s speech also targeted media and civil society groups, which receive international funding. He criticized organizations funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Orbán accused these groups of working against Hungary’s interests. He vowed to take legal action against them.
His government has long been accused of suppressing press freedom. Orbán’s comments confirmed that his government intends to continue silencing critical voices. He also promised to remove organizations he sees as foreign-backed “insects” that threaten Hungary’s sovereignty.
These remarks show Orbán’s ongoing crackdown on free speech. He has been widely criticized for limiting Hungary’s independent media and silencing opposition. His nationalistic approach aims to remove outside influence from Hungary’s affairs.
Orbán Targets Minority Rights and Immigration
Orbán’s rhetoric also turned against minority groups in Hungary. He proposed constitutional changes that would restrict the activities of civil rights organizations. His government wants to make it harder for organizations to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, for example. Orbán specifically mentioned Budapest Pride, saying his government would aim to ban the event from being held in public.
The prime minister continued his attacks on immigration, a key theme of his politics. He accused Western elites of trying to replace native Europeans with migrants. Orbán has often promoted the so-called “great replacement theory,” which claims that immigration is part of a plan to replace local populations with migrants.
Orbán’s government has long been critical of immigration, and his speech shows his continued resistance to allowing migrants into Hungary. He insists that immigration is a threat to Hungary’s national identity and culture.
A National Poll on Ukraine’s EU Membership
In his speech, Orbán announced plans to hold a national poll on Ukraine’s potential membership in the European Union. Hungary has been hesitant to support Ukraine’s bid to join the EU, citing concerns over its sovereignty and the broader consequences of Ukraine’s integration into the bloc.
Orbán’s criticism of the EU and his stance on Ukraine’s membership reveal deep divisions between Hungary and the rest of Europe. His government’s resistance to foreign influence and its firm stance on national sovereignty continues to shape Hungary’s political future.
The Future of Hungary’s Sovereignty
Orbán’s speech highlights a growing divide between Hungary and the European Union. His nationalist policies, media crackdowns, and resistance to foreign influence show his desire to maintain Hungary’s independence. His government’s hardline approach will likely continue to challenge Hungary’s relationships with the EU and other global powers.
As Hungary moves forward, the prime minister’s defiance against international pressures is clear. Orbán is committed to protecting Hungary’s sovereignty and resisting what he sees as foreign interference. Whether this approach will lead to greater isolation or deeper conflict with the EU remains to be seen.
In the end, Orbán’s government will need to balance national sovereignty with its relationships abroad. How Hungary navigates this challenge could have major consequences for the country’s political future and its place in Europe.