Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán delivered a fiery speech on Friday, rallying support for his brand of right-wing populism and issuing a stark warning to the European Union.
Speaking on a national holiday commemorating Hungary’s historic struggle for independence, Orbán urged his supporters to help him “occupy Brussels” in the upcoming European Union elections this summer.
Orbán’s address, delivered from the steps of the National Museum in Budapest, denounced the EU as an imperial force akin to historical occupiers of Hungary.
He accused the EU of encroaching on the nation’s sovereignty and undermining its freedom.
“They start wars, destroy worlds, redraw countries’ borders and graze on everything like locusts,” Orbán told the crowd, stressing Hungary’s desire for a distinct identity and way of life.
The Prime Minister’s speech comes amid growing political tension in Hungary, following the resignation of Orbán ally Katalin Novák in February over a controversial pardon.
The move sparked outrage and raised questions about the government’s handling of justice.
Hungary’s relationship with its allies, particularly the United States, has faced strain.
US Ambassador David Pressman criticised Hungary’s recent obstructionism within NATO and accused Orbán’s government of pursuing problematic alliances with Russia and China.
Orbán’s political manoeuvring extends beyond Europe, with the Hungarian leader forging close ties with parts of the American right, including former President Donald Trump.
During a recent visit to the United States, Orbán openly endorsed Trump’s candidacy for the 2024 elections, predicting a conservative resurgence on both sides of the Atlantic.
