The prime minister began by acknowledging that Hungary’s economy has faced challenges in recent years, citing the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and EU sanctions as contributing factors. While full employment has been achieved and Hungary boasts one of the world’s strongest family support systems, he admitted that inflation remains higher than it should be.
Nevertheless, he stressed, “there are results,” particularly in employment and demographic stability.
Addressing persistent accusations about corruption and enrichment in his political circle, Prime Minister Orbán pushed back: “The same EU procurement rules apply to Hungary as to Berlin, Paris, or Amsterdam.” He likened personal attacks to Margaret Thatcher’s philosophy—if they cannot criticize the policy, they attack the politician.
On political longevity, the prime minister noted that while he has served 20 years in office, he has also spent 16 years in opposition, making him one of Europe’s most experienced democratic leaders. Regarding his decision to run again, he made clear: “If the political community believes I am still the best option, I will continue. If they see a better candidate, I’ll step aside.”
The interview took a sharper tone as Prime Minister Orbán dissected what he called a “dangerous era” for Hungary. Between the war in Ukraine — “a proxy war between the West and Russia” — and the EU’s push for centralized power, the prime minister painted a picture of mounting external pressure. He stated, “Brussels wants to build an empire — the United States of Europe — and we Hungarians must resist.”
Calling Hungary a “sovereignist” nation, the prime minister expressed staunch opposition to what he sees as bureaucratic overreach from Brussels, especially in matters of migration. He noted that Hungary pays €1 million per day in fines for refusing to implement the EU’s migrant quota.
“We are proud that the number of migrants in Hungary is zero,” he declared. “This country belongs to Christian Hungarians.”
He also sharply criticized Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, asserting, “She is a bureaucrat paid by us. She cannot act like she’s Hungary’s boss.” Referring to past negotiations with Donald Trump, Prime Minister Orbán also claimed that EU leadership entered agreements they had no authority or resources to fulfill — especially regarding tariffs and military aid to Ukraine.
Cultural and ideological sovereignty were also central to the discussion. On the topic of Pride marches, the prime minister insisted that Hungarian constitutional law prioritizes child protection over the right to hold public demonstrations of sexuality. He emphasized that, while free speech and peaceful protest are allowed, explicit sexual content in public spaces — especially where children are present — is not tolerated.
In a broader philosophical reflection, Prime Minister Orbán spoke of the importance of both “living faith” and “Christian culture.” He explained that even Hungarians without personal religious conviction often share Christian values as a cultural inheritance. “Without Christianity, the Hungarian nation cannot survive,” he stated, adding that multiculturalism is not compatible with Hungary’s identity.
When asked about Hungary’s youth and their exposure to external influence, the prime minister remained confident: “If you speak Hungarian, you are Hungarian. The sense of belonging is anchored in our language and history.” He also highlighted the uniqueness of the Hungarian language as a powerful force in preserving national identity.
Finally, looking to the future, Prime Minister Orbán was clear in his ambition: “Make Hungary great again.” He predicted that Hungarian family policy would soon yield positive demographic results and reiterated that a stable, value-driven society was the best path forward. When asked if Hungary would remain in the EU, he responded with a wry twist: “The real question is: Will the EU still exist?”
In closing, he issued a direct message to American voters: Support leadership committed to peace. He urged the United States to use its influence to end global conflicts rather than escalate them. “We need a president who is 100 percent committed to peace,” he said, stressing that Hungary’s interest lies in preserving its sovereignty, culture, and safety amid global turmoil.