On Hungary’s national holiday, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán made a strong declaration against the European Union, accusing it of acting like an empire and threatening Hungary’s freedom. In his speech, Orbán promised to dismantle what he referred to as a “shadow army” of foreign-backed groups operating in Hungary. He criticized media outlets and civil society organizations funded from abroad, vowing to root out these influences completely, citing them as a threat to the nation’s sovereignty.
Orbán’s Accusations Against Brussels and the EU Prime Minister Orbán drew a striking comparison between Brussels and historical imperial powers, stating that Hungary has always faced attempts by foreign forces to control it. “Brussels abuses its power just as Vienna once did,” Orbán told a crowd of thousands, drawing a parallel between the current EU leadership and the Habsburg monarchy. According to Orbán, Brussels is now seeking to exert its influence over Hungary in the same way imperial forces have throughout history.
Orbán’s speech took a direct aim at the EU’s role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He claimed that the EU, led by Brussels, is pushing Hungary into the conflict and that the real aim is to pave the way for Ukraine’s membership in the EU. He reiterated Hungary’s position of staying within the European Union while opposing Ukraine’s accession, proposing a national referendum to allow Hungarians to decide on the matter.
A National Campaign Against Foreign Influence Orbán’s remarks were also a response to what he sees as foreign interference in Hungary’s domestic affairs. He promised a crackdown on foreign-funded organizations, particularly those with ties to the United States, which he accused of attempting to destabilize his government. Orbán praised former U.S. President Donald Trump for dismantling USAID, claiming the agency funded liberal opposition movements in Hungary.
The Hungarian Prime Minister’s government, led by his Fidesz party, introduced constitutional amendments designed to tighten control over political opponents and critics. One amendment would allow the government to strip dual citizens of their Hungarian nationality and deport them if they are deemed to be a threat to the country’s sovereignty.
Another proposed amendment focuses on restricting public gatherings, including Budapest’s annual Pride parade, which Orbán’s government seeks to ban from taking place in public spaces starting this year. These measures reflect Orbán’s broader agenda of consolidating power and suppressing dissent, particularly when it comes to foreign influences and LGBTQ+ rights.
Orbán and the “Great Replacement Theory” During his speech, Orbán also touched on the controversial “great replacement theory,” which alleges a deliberate effort to replace native European populations with migrants from outside the continent. Orbán stated that migration is being used as a tool by the European Union to weaken the cultural and demographic identity of Europe. “The battle today is for the soul of the Western world,” he declared, suggesting that the EU’s stance on migration is part of a broader plot to erode European identity.
The prime minister’s rhetoric has consistently pushed against liberal values promoted by the EU, framing Hungary as a protector of traditional European culture and sovereignty. His statements align with his government’s ongoing efforts to oppose immigration and limit the influence of liberal civil society organizations, both within Hungary and across Europe.
Orbán’s Position on Ukraine’s EU Membership One of the most significant points of Orbán’s speech was his opposition to Ukraine’s potential membership in the European Union. He argued that supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russia was not an act of solidarity but rather an effort to use the country as a pawn in a larger geopolitical struggle. Orbán believes that Brussels is attempting to “colonize” Ukraine by pushing it toward EU membership, something he believes would be detrimental to both Hungary and the wider region.
Orbán called for a public referendum in Hungary to allow citizens to decide their stance on Ukraine’s EU membership, presenting the issue as a matter of national sovereignty. His government has been steadfast in its opposition to Ukraine’s membership, citing concerns over Hungary’s national interests and the potential geopolitical consequences of expanding the EU further eastward.
Conclusion: As Hungary faces increasing pressure from Brussels and other EU member states, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s stance remains firm. His government’s recent legal and constitutional amendments signal a determination to eliminate foreign influences and tighten control over Hungary’s political landscape. Orbán’s rhetoric, aligning with nationalist and anti-migration positions, continues to shape the country’s direction. While Orbán remains committed to Hungary’s place in the EU, his policies and speeches suggest a growing divergence from the EU’s values and objectives. A national referendum on Ukraine’s EU membership may soon become a crucial moment in Hungary’s political future.
