Discussing the ongoing war in Ukraine, PM Orbán stated unequivocally, “Without America, this war wouldn’t exist.” He emphasized that U.S. support is the cornerstone of Ukraine’s resistance, adding, “American support is essential; without it, Ukraine could not mount effective resistance.”
He contrasted former President Donald Trump’s peace-focused stance with the Biden administration’s push for escalation, accusing it of sending “even more lives to the frontlines” by encouraging Ukraine to lower its conscription age. PM Orbán called for a shift in focus toward peace, asserting, “The first step must be a ceasefire. After that, Europe’s security framework will require a lengthy, complex renegotiation process.”
On Hungary’s economic positioning, Prime Minister Orbán highlighted the stark contrast between Germany’s industrial struggles and Hungary’s resilience. “Factories are closing at an alarming rate in Germany, but in Hungary, they are expanding,” he noted, citing the new BMW plant in Debrecen as a symbol of Hungary’s favorable investment climate. PM Orbán attributed this success to Hungary’s proactive policies, adding, “We are creating a competitive environment to ensure Hungarian factories thrive, not shutter.”
The government has also introduced the Sándor Demján Program, an initiative targeting small and medium-sized enterprises, which he described as unprecedented in scale. “Such a program has never been implemented in Hungary,” he remarked, likening it to the Széchenyi Plan but emphasizing its broader scope. “This initiative will strengthen Hungary’s economic foundation by supporting key enterprises,” he said.
Addressing migration, the prime minister reaffirmed his opposition to Brussels’ policies, which he characterized as an assault on national sovereignty. Reflecting on talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, he said, “Hungary and Italy are on the same page —we reject all forms of migration.” He also criticized the European Parliament’s coalition for opposing Hungary on critical issues, including migration, economic policy, and the war.
PM Orbán turned to domestic politics to defend Tamás Menczer, a Fidesz-KDNP spokesperson, who recently clashed with Péter Magyar. “Menczer did the right thing,” he declared, adding, “You have to speak the language of those who rant and rave.” He condemned the opposition for employing what he described as aggressive tactics while affirming Menczer’s approach, saying, “The role of spokespersons in politics is to counter hostile and aggressive behavior decisively.”
PM Orbán also commented on the recent meeting of the Patriots for Europe EP group in Budapest, expressing optimism about their growing influence. “When combined with European conservatives, they are already the second-largest group in the EP. Within a foreseeable time, they could become the largest,” he said. This shift, PM Orbán argued, reflects widespread disillusionment with the Brussels coalition and suggests a possible recalibration of EU policies toward national sovereignty.
The prime minister spoke as well about his visit to Pope Francis, highlighting the Vatican’s focus on issues of war and peace. “The Vatican is the right place to seek reassurance on such matters,” he said, expressing gratitude for the Catholic Church’s willingness to support Hungary where possible.
Finally, PM Orbán addressed Hungary’s economic standing within the EU, pointing to the €12.5 billion in available funds that Hungary can draw upon until the end of 2026. He criticized Brussels’ policies for driving up energy costs and eroding competitiveness, which have posed challenges for all EU member states. However, he confirmed Hungary is in a good place, stating, “This money meets our immediate needs, but we will secure what is owed to us in full.”