Viktor Orbán On A Pro-Peace, Independent Path for Hungary

In his Friday morning Kossuth Radio interview, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán shared his thoughts on the US presidential election’s potential impact on Hungary and Europe, alongside discussions about the recent EPC summit in Budapest.

Mr. Orbán highlighted key political and economic challenges, touching on topics such as the ongoing war, Hungary’s foreign policy, and the EU’s economic competitiveness, writes Index.

US Presidential Election and Its Impact
The Prime Minister framed the US presidential election as a critical turning point for global politics. Reflecting on the damage caused by the war and sanctions over the past two years, he remarked,

if Trump had won in 2020, these two years of nightmare would never have happened, there would have been no war.”

Mr. Orbán stressed that the EU and Hungary were paying a significant price for the current state of affairs. “The US is a huge victory,” he said, signaling that President Trump’s stance against war and his policies on family protection and migration align with Hungary’s position. He added, “if Trump wants peace instead of war… we have to respond.”

Hungary’s Foreign Policy and Relations with China
Viktor Orbán reaffirmed Hungary’s commitment to independent foreign policy, emphasizing the country’s pragmatic approach. He expressed, “we want nothing more than the Americans do: a good deal with the Chinese. That is what Trump wants – to make good deals and agreements with them.”

He underscored Hungary’s desire to avoid siding with one party in international disputes, opting instead for policies that align with Hungarian interests.

“If we want to develop, we have to accept that we are Hungarians with our own interests,” Orbán said, promoting a balanced stance between the West and East.

Migration and EU Policies
The Prime Minister also touched upon Hungary’s resistance to EU migration policies, citing Italy’s recent challenges. He criticized EU interference in national laws, saying, “the Italian court sent them to Brussels, where they have a federalist, American-minded culture.”

Hungary’s stricter migration policies, in his view, have proven more effective than Italy’s, which faced judicial setbacks in Brussels.

He stated, “If it worked at national level, there would be no problem, but Brussels is stepping in.”

Economic Outlook and the “Peace Budget”
Viktor Orbán explained Hungary’s economic strategy, particularly the introduction of the “peace budget.” He emphasized that Hungary had anticipated the consequences of the ongoing conflict and created a budget focused on supporting small businesses and improving housing.

Small business owners will get unprecedented help… we are making huge strides towards cheaper housing,” Mr. Orbán noted.

He added that these measures would help increase wages and the purchasing power of Hungarians in the coming years. “2025 will be a great year because the global economic conditions will be right,” he said.

War, Peace, and Military Strategy
The Prime Minister also discussed the war in Ukraine, emphasizing Hungary’s pro-peace stance. He criticized the prolonged conflict, stating that the EU alone would not be able to finance the war, especially if the US withdraws. “

Trump hates war and he will not go to war,” he stated, echoing his support for peace.

The politician also expressed disappointment over the lack of communication on the global stage, noting, “That is the problem in the world today, that there is no communication.”

While emphasizing the need for peace and economic stability, Viktor Orbán reaffirmed Hungary’s commitment to an independent foreign policy and resisting EU overreach. As Hungary navigates the shifting geopolitical landscape, Mr. Orbán’s leadership aims to protect national interests while aligning with like-minded partners globally.

Via Index; Featured Image: MTI / Miniszterelnöki Sajtóiroda / Benko Vivien Cher