Budapest, Hungary – , Prime Minister Viktor Orbán escalated his rhetoric ahead of national elections, asserting that the European Union, rather than Russia, poses the primary threat to Hungary’s sovereignty and security. The claim, made during a speech to supporters, marks a significant intensification of his nationalist party’s anti-EU campaign as the vote approaches.
Orbán’s assertion comes at a critical juncture for his Fidesz party, which is facing its most substantial electoral challenge since he first took power in . Recent independent polls indicate Fidesz trailing the center-right Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar. The prime minister has increasingly relied on contentious messaging, including the unsubstantiated claim that the EU intends to send Hungarians to fight in neighboring Ukraine should his party lose the election.
In his address, Orbán drew parallels between the EU and the Soviet regime that dominated Hungary for over four decades during the 20th century. This comparison reflects a broader strategy of framing the EU as an oppressive force seeking to undermine Hungarian national identity and autonomy. He also dismissed concerns voiced by many European leaders regarding the potential threat posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin to continental security.
“We must get used to the idea that those who love freedom should not fear the East, but Brussels,” Orbán stated, referring to the de-facto capital of the European Union in Belgium. This statement encapsulates the core of his current campaign strategy: to redirect anxieties about external threats away from Russia and towards the EU institutions.
The shift in Orbán’s messaging comes as the EU has, until recently, maintained a relatively critical stance towards his government’s policies, particularly concerning rule of law and democratic standards. However, reports suggest a softening of that criticism in the lead-up to the election, a development that has raised eyebrows among observers.
Orbán’s increasingly confrontational stance towards the EU is not entirely unexpected. For years, he has been a vocal critic of what he perceives as Brussels’ overreach into national sovereignty, particularly regarding immigration policy and cultural issues. His government has repeatedly clashed with the EU over concerns about media freedom, judicial independence, and the rights of minorities.
The geopolitical implications of Orbán’s rhetoric are significant. Hungary’s position within the EU and its relationship with Russia are closely watched by other member states and international actors. Orbán has consistently maintained closer ties with Moscow than many of his counterparts in the bloc, often blocking EU sanctions against Russia and advocating for a more conciliatory approach. His framing of the EU as the greater threat risks further isolating Hungary within the European framework and potentially emboldening Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
The upcoming election is widely seen as a pivotal moment for Hungary’s future. A victory for the Tisza party could signal a shift away from Orbán’s nationalist policies and a closer alignment with mainstream European values. However, Orbán’s enduring popularity and his ability to mobilize his base suggest that the election will be closely contested.
The prime minister’s claims regarding the EU’s intentions in Ukraine are particularly sensitive, given the ongoing conflict and the potential for escalation. His unsubstantiated assertions risk fueling disinformation and undermining public trust in both the EU and the Hungarian government. The EU has not responded directly to Orbán’s specific claims, but officials have repeatedly emphasized their commitment to supporting Ukraine and defending European security.
The situation is further complicated by the broader geopolitical landscape. The war in Ukraine has heightened tensions between Russia and the West, and the EU is grappling with a range of challenges, including energy security, inflation, and migration. Orbán’s rhetoric taps into these anxieties and seeks to exploit divisions within the EU.
Analysts suggest that Orbán’s strategy is designed to appeal to a segment of the Hungarian electorate that feels alienated from the EU and fears the loss of national identity. By framing the election as a battle between Hungarian sovereignty and Brussels’ interference, he aims to galvanize his supporters and secure another term in office. The outcome of the election will have far-reaching consequences not only for Hungary but also for the future of the European Union.
