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PM Orbán: Hungary pursues the politics of reason

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán reaffirmed Hungary's commitment to pragmatic and independent policy-making during an interview on Kossuth Radio. Addressing the Ukraine war, international diplomacy, and Hungary’s strategy for economic and political stability, he also discussed key alliances and the growing influence of conservative forces in Europe.

Prime Minister Orbán painted a stark picture of the ongoing Ukraine war, describing it as one of the most dangerous periods in recent memory. “The threat is direct; weapons are being deployed that can target areas beyond Ukraine,” he warned. He emphasized the need for Hungary to navigate the next two months—before a change in U.S. leadership—with “smart politics.”

Highlighting the limits of Europe’s military capabilities, the prime minister argued that Ukraine’s success in the conflict is unsustainable without U.S. support. This underscores Hungary’s focus on peace and neutrality. “We must survive this period with reasoned policies,” he stated, reflecting Hungary's position as a voice of calm amidst rising tensions.

Turning to international diplomacy, PM Orbán expressed solidarity with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, criticizing a recent International Criminal Court arrest warrant as “outrageous” and “cynical.” PM Orbán emphasized Hungary’s sovereign stance on such matters, stating, “I am inviting Benjamin Netanyahu to Hungary and have assured him we will not enforce the warrant if he accepts.”

PM Orbán also addressed the growing influence of the Patriots for Europe group within the European Parliament, calling it the third-strongest political force, advocating for sovereignty-focused policies. The group champions policies divergent from the EU's center on issues like migration and cultural ideologies. "We have begun well," he noted, pointing to efforts to strengthen cooperation among conservative factions. “Our goal is to become one of the most influential actors in the European Parliament,” the PM said.

The prime minister linked these developments to Hungary’s broader recalibration of its geopolitical and economic outlook. Stressing the need for deeper Eurasian ties, PM Orbán called for a “reorientation” in Hungarian thought and trade policies to embrace Europe’s geographical connection to Asia. “Europe is a peninsula of Asia,” he remarked, urging Hungary to view economic neutrality as a path to sustained growth.

On domestic matters, PM Orbán outlined the government’s strategy for economic stability, including new wage agreements to safeguard purchasing power amid global uncertainty. He also defended the national consultation initiative against opposition criticism, rejecting accusations that it was unnecessary or elitist. The prime minister tied this rhetoric to a rising culture of verbal aggression in politics, cautioning that it could lead to further polarization and unrest.

“The aim is clear,” he concluded, “to stay out of war, secure peace, and ensure Hungary’s prosperity while strengthening our role in Europe’s conservative resurgence.”