The timing of the event, PM Orbán noted, coincided with Hungary’s national memorial honoring the martyrs of the 1848 Revolution, when both Hungarian and Italian forces fought against foreign domination. This shared history of resistance, he said, continues to define the two nations today, saying "We will never surrender our freedom, nor will we allow our countries to be handed over to outsiders—be they Brussels bureaucrats, global financial powers, or migrants."
The prime minister also took the opportunity to praise Matteo Salvini as a "European patriot," admired in Hungary for his decisive actions in securing Italy’s borders and safeguarding Europe. He condemned the legal proceedings against Salvini over his migration policies, calling the charges a disgrace and accusing Europe’s left-wing forces of unfairly targeting leaders who prioritize national security.
Reflecting on Hungary’s own experience, PM Orbán highlighted his government’s 14-year battle against international leftist pressures, presenting Hungary as a model of success. "We have beaten them five times," he proudly stated, emphasizing that patriotic governments deliver better results than their left-wing counterparts, citing Hungary’s achievements in full employment, tax cuts, wage increases, and strong support for families and businesses.
In reaffirming Hungary’s commitment to traditional values, he underscored the nation’s constitutional protection of marriage as a union between one man and one woman. "A father is a man, and a mother is a woman," he said, asserting that these principles would remain unchanged, regardless of opposition from international forces.
Turning to national security, the prime minister highlighted Hungary’s status as one of Europe’s safest countries, crediting the government’s strict policies on law and order, particularly its approach to illegal migration. "The number of illegal migrants in Hungary is zero," he declared, stressing that Hungary would not allow anyone to alter its culture or jeopardize its citizens’ safety. “Only those with permission can enter Hungary,” he continued, noting that approval must be obtained outside the country’s borders.
In a broader critique, PM Orbán condemned the European Union for imposing fines on Hungary for its refusal to accept migrants, labeling the penalties a disgrace. He noted that Hungary faces daily fines of €1 million and warned that if Brussels continued with its punitive measures, Hungary might consider transporting migrants directly from Budapest to Brussels. "If they want migrants, they will get them," he said.
The prime minister also encouraged the Italian audience to follow Hungary’s example, asserting that if Hungary could resist external pressures and achieve success, so could Italy. He urged them to stand firm under Mr. Salvini’s leadership, declaring, "Be determined, be brave, and follow great leaders like Matteo Salvini."
The speech concluded with a somber reflection on Europe’s current state, warning that "Europe is worse off than it was ten years ago." PM Orbán pointed to rising crime and instability linked to mass migration, observing that peaceful European citizens now live in fear. He also criticized Brussels for its role in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, arguing that the EU, which was founded to maintain peace, has instead become a participant in war.
Finishing his address, he issued a rallying call to reclaim Brussels from bureaucratic control and restore power to the people. "We must not retreat from Brussels. We must march in, take it back, and return it to the European people," he urged, calling on Europeans to fight for a safer, stronger future for the continent.