Orbán Says Hungary Should Fear EU More Than Russia Ahead Of Heated Elections

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief reporting from Budapest, Hungary

BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said over the weekend that Hungary should fear the European Union more than Russia, pledging to dismantle what he called Brussels’ “oppressive machinery” ahead of heated parliamentary elections in April.

Speaking during his annual state-of-the-nation address, Orbán vowed to push out “the foreign influence that limits our sovereignty together with its agents,” as the opposition Tisza Party led by Péter Magyar maintains an 8 to 12 percentage point lead over Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party in recent opinion polls.

The April 12 vote comes amid growing political polarization and sharp rhetoric over Hungary’s position within the European Union and the war in neighboring Ukraine.

EU COMPARED TO SOVIET RULE

“Fear-mongering about [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is primitive and unserious. Brussels, however, is a palpable reality and a source of imminent danger,” said the 62-year-old leader, comparing the European Union to the repressive Soviet regime that dominated Hungary for decades in the 20th century.

Orbán claimed that Brussels intends to defeat Russia militarily on Ukrainian territory by 2030 and warned that Hungary’s upcoming elections could be the last before a broader war. He accused the opposition Tisza Party of cooperating with EU leaders.

He also alleged the existence of a “war alliance” between Brussels, Tisza, and companies such as Shell and Erste Bank, suggesting they have an interest in prolonging the war in Ukraine. He did not provide evidence to support those claims.

CAMPAIGN RHETORIC ESCALATES

Since returning to power in 2010, Orbán has targeted what he calls “pseudo-civil organizations,” “bought journalists,” judges, and political opponents as part of his effort to build what he describes as an “illiberal state.”

His hardline anti-immigration policies have drawn praise from conservative leaders abroad, including from U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who has publicly endorsed Orbán for the upcoming elections.

Outside the government-rented Várkert Bazár event center at the foot of Budapest’s Castle Hill, critics staged demonstrations, warning of further escalation in campaign rhetoric and deepening divisions within Hungarian society.

NEW SOCIAL MEASURES

Orbán announced no new social measures but referenced earlier tax benefits, minimum wage increases, and a fixed 3 percent mortgage rate introduced by his government.

He acknowledged that inflation remains a concern and is not yet fully under control.

His comments came ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s arrival in Hungary on Sunday and Monday, as Budapest continues to advocate for an international peace summit on Ukraine.

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