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Hungarian PM rails against EU in latest speech
In a speech commemorating Hungary's March 15 national holiday, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán proclaimed his readiness to march on Brussels and the European Union. Speaking from the iconic steps of Budapest's National Museum to honor the Memorial Day of the 1848 Revolution, Orbán declared, "If we are to safeguard Hungary's freedom and sovereignty, our only recourse is to take control of Brussels."
Orbán vowed to lead the charge to Brussels, asserting Hungary's capacity to instigate change within the EU. "The time has come for the Brussels establishment to tremble," he said, accusing the EU of waging war against Hungary and resorting to coercive tactics.
Against the backdrop of global elections in 2024, Orbán framed the year as a pivotal moment, saying, "At the year's outset, we stood alone; by its close, we shall emerge as the prevailing force worldwide." He asked the crowd: "Will you align with the principles of Hungarian justice, or will you capitulate to the Soros Empire? War or peace?"
While Orban spoke, tens of thousands of anti-government protesters rallied in Budapest. The protest's main organizer, Orban critic Peter Magyar, former husband of ex-justice minister Judit Varga, announced a new centrist party during his speech.
American ambassador criticizes Hungary's 'unhinged anti-American rhetoric,' raising diplomatic tensions
US Ambassador David Pressman has issued a keynote speech, cautioning that Hungary's anti-American rhetoric substantially threatens its relationship with the United States. Speaking at an event commemorating Hungary's 25th anniversary since joining NATO, Pressman's remarks underscored mounting tensions between the two nations. His address follows a summons by the Hungarian foreign ministry in response to statements from US President Joe Biden, who characterized PM Orbán's leadership as sliding towards authoritarianism.
Responding to Biden's critique, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó defiantly asserted, "We refuse to accept falsehoods from anyone, even if they hold the highest office in the United States." US national security advisor Jake Sullivan reiterated Biden's concerns over corruption within Hungary and the erosion of democratic norms under the Orbán administration.
Pressman emphasized the US' commitment to vocalize concerns regarding Hungary's domestic affairs, stressing that waiting for diplomatic niceties was not an option. He highlighted a specific grievance, detailing Hungary's obstructionism towards American soldiers stationed within its borders, citing the refusal to issue license plates for their vehicles. This, he contended, symbolizes the deteriorating rapport between Hungary and its allies.
Pressman's address raises these issues and reminds us of the fragility of diplomatic relations amidst political turbulence, urging both nations to confront the challenges ahead with transparency and resolve.
Hungary plays a 'dangerous play' Ukrainian president says
In an interview with Le Monde and BFMTV, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted that while approximately 90% of European leaders stand in solidarity with Ukraine, dissenting voices also echo across the continent. Singling out Hungary, Zelenskyy warned that the nation is at risk of playing a dangerous game, emphasizing its dangers, primarily to itself.
Expressing astonishment at Hungary's apparent shift in tone towards Ukraine, Zelenskyy drew parallels to historical reckonings with invasion and fascist regimes, suggesting that Hungary should be aware of the grave repercussions. He criticized Hungary's alignment with former US President Donald Trump, cautioning against futile endeavors, and emphasized the need for independent leadership in fostering international alliances.
PM Viktor Orbán has not engaged in formal dialogue with Zelenskyy since the conflict began. While preliminary discussions between high-ranking officials occurred earlier this year, no concrete plans for a summit have materialized, underscoring the strained diplomatic relations between the two nations amidst the ongoing crisis.
Slovakia's former PM Pellegrini Seeked Orbán's intermediary role with Kremlin, investigation reveals
The investigative outlet VSquare reported on a concerning incident involving former Slovak Prime Minister Pellegrini and PM Viktor Orbán in 2020. It is claimed that Pellegrini sought Orbán's assistance for a hastily arranged trip to Moscow just days before Slovakia's parliamentary election, purportedly aiming to bolster his support among pro-Russian constituents.
According to VSquare's findings, Orbán delegated the task to his foreign minister, Szijjártó, who relayed the request to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Consequently, Pellegrini received an invitation to Moscow shortly before the election, where he held discussions with Russia's Prime Minister, Mikhail Mishustin.
VSquare contacted the offices of Orbán and Pellegrini, as well as the Russian and Hungarian foreign ministries, for comment. As of the time of this report, only the Hungarian foreign ministry had responded: “If the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade receives a request to help establish or maintain contacts with other countries, and the request is not contrary to Hungarian national interests, we are always ready to help. This is called diplomacy.”