Orbán Launches Fidesz EU Election Campaign, Calls for Change in Brussels Leadership

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán launched the Fidesz party's campaign for the European Union elections in Budapest on Friday, portraying Europe as teetering on the edge of armed conflict. In his speech, Orbán painted a grim picture of the EU as an oppressive force that has made its member countries active participants in the war in Ukraine.

Orbán criticized the current EU leadership, saying they have "failed" and do not merit another chance after the upcoming European Parliament elections. "The leadership in Brussels must depart. It does not warrant another opportunity. There must be change in Brussels," he declared. "The leadership in Brussels has to exit."

The Hungarian premier unveiled his party's election manifesto, which warns that if the EU's current leadership remains, "Europe will be plunged into war, migration waves will destroy European nations, and gender propaganda will ruin the future of our children." Orbán has been critical of governments that supply Ukraine with money and weapons, and has argued against passing EU sanctions on Russia for its aggression in Ukraine.

Orbán's speech relied heavily on his long-standing themes of rejecting immigration, hostility to LGBTQ+ rights, and claims that the EU has sought to impose its will on Hungary. He accused pro-war governments, Brussels bureaucrats, and the network of US financier George Soros of sending millions of dollars to the Hungarian pro-war left, who he claimed wanted a puppet government controlled by Brussels and Washington instead of a pro-peace government.

Why this matters: The upcoming European Parliament elections, set to take place from June 6-9, could have significant implications for the future direction of the EU. Orbán's Fidesz party, which remains the most popular in Hungary, is expected to perform well, potentially strengthening right-wing forces within the EU.

Orbán faces significant challenges both at home and abroad, including the recent resignations of senior Hungarian officials and a battered economy struggling under the weight of billions in EU funding withheld over rule-of-law and corruption concerns. Despite these obstacles, Orbán touted the economic achievements of his government, saying the Hungarian economy has almost doubled in size over the last 14 years and the number of Hungarians in deep poverty has been reduced.

Key Takeaways

• Orbán launches Fidesz's EU election campaign, portraying EU as oppressive.
• Orbán calls for change in Brussels, warns of war, migration, and gender propaganda.
• Orbán criticizes EU leadership, accuses them of sending funds to pro-war left.
• Upcoming EU elections could strengthen right-wing forces, with Fidesz expected to perform well.
• Orbán touts economic achievements, despite challenges at home and abroad.