Orbán Slams EU, Supports Trump in Controversial Speech

 

 In a provocative address delivered on Saturday, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán criticized the European Union’s direction, endorsed Donald Trump’s U.S. presidential campaign, and warned of a significant global shift towards an Asia-centric world order.

Speaking in the predominantly ethnic Hungarian town of Băile Tuşnad, Orbán claimed that Europe is "sliding toward oblivion," alleging that the EU's alignment with U.S. foreign policy is leading to its self-destruction. He forecast a major global realignment, naming China, India, Pakistan, and Indonesia as emerging centers of global influence.

Orbán also stirred controversy by suggesting that the United States was behind the 2022 explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines, a claim he did not substantiate with evidence. His remarks have fueled tensions with his European counterparts, especially following his recent diplomatic trips to Moscow and Beijing in a bid to mediate the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The Hungarian leader's stance on Ukraine continues to diverge from other EU leaders, as he has consistently opposed military aid to Kyiv and delayed financial support and sanctions against Russia. Orbán expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s prospects of joining NATO or the EU, suggesting it might revert to being a "buffer state."

Orbán used the annual Tusványos Summer University to lay out his vision for Hungary and Europe. He reiterated his support for Donald Trump, asserting that Trump’s re-election campaign represents a return to nationalist principles. Orbán characterized Trump as being unfairly targeted by legal actions and media scrutiny, claiming that efforts to undermine him include attempts on his life.

U.S. Ambassador to Hungary, David Pressman, responded sharply to Orbán's comments, indicating that such rhetoric could damage Hungary's relationship with the U.S. Pressman criticized Orbán for actively campaigning for a specific U.S. presidential candidate and promoting what he called "Kremlin conspiracy theories."

Orbán’s speech also reiterated his anti-immigration stance, rejecting migration as a solution to Hungary’s aging population. He argued that an influx of migrants threatens national identity and cohesion, a sentiment consistent with his broader anti-immigration policies.

Orbán, who has led Hungary for over a decade and is known for his conservative populist positions, has previously used this platform to make controversial statements, including his 2014 declaration of an "illiberal state" and his 2022 remarks on Europe’s demographic changes.

As Hungary holds the EU’s rotating presidency, Orbán's comments continue to resonate across Europe, highlighting deepening divisions on issues of national sovereignty, migration, and global diplomacy.