Hungary's Orban calls for EU leadership change

In a speech kicking off his party's campaign for the European Union elections, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban portrayed a bleak outlook for a continent on the brink of armed conflict. He called for a leadership change within the EU and criticized its handling of the crisis in Ukraine.

Addressing members of his Fidesz party in Budapest, Orban lambasted the EU, accusing it of forcing member states into involvement in the conflict in Ukraine. Despite no EU country deploying soldiers to the war, Orban asserted that EU leaders perceive the conflict as their own.

"The leadership in Brussels must be replaced," Orban declared, emphasizing that it does not merit another opportunity.

Orban, who faces domestic and international challenges, including recent high-profile resignations and economic struggles exacerbated by EU funding cuts over governance and corruption issues, enters the EU elections in June with significant obstacles.

The campaign event, held in central Budapest, was notably brief, lasting around 45 minutes and excluding independent media.

'We must occupy Brussels'

Orban's concise 15-minute speech reiterated familiar themes that have defined his political campaigns over the years: staunch opposition to immigration, hostility toward LGBTQ+ rights, and allegations of the EU's overreach into Hungarian affairs.

Addressing his supporters, Orban emphasized the need to challenge the authority of Brussels bureaucrats and reclaim control over Hungarian affairs, drawing applause from the audience.

As a right-wing nationalist leader with a 14-year tenure, Orban has consistently criticized nations providing aid to Ukraine in its defense against Russia's invasion. Hungary has abstained from offering such support and has opposed EU sanctions on Russia.

Orban has often labeled countries backing Ukraine as "pro-war," positioning his government as a proponent of peace within the EU. However, critics accuse him of advancing Russian interests by maintaining energy agreements with Moscow and delaying aid to Kyiv.

Source: AP