The meeting underscored the two leaders’ shared vision for a sovereign Europe, free from Brussels' overreach, with both Orbán and Weidel criticizing the EU’s stance on migration, economic policy, and war.
PM Orbán acknowledged that AfD leaders are rarely welcomed by European heads of government but said this should change. "This meeting has a certain piquancy, as AfD leaders are not usually received by prime ministers—but it’s time for that to change," he remarked, emphasizing the party’s growing influence in Germany. Orbán pointed to the close economic ties between Hungary and Germany, stating that a strong German economy benefits Hungary as well.
"We are waiting for a new era when Germany becomes successful again, because on the back of German success, we Hungarians can also gain extra momentum," he said.
Both leaders criticized Brussels for ignoring public sentiment on fundamental issues. "While the people clearly say they do not want migration, Brussels continues to push a pro-migration stance. While the majority of Europeans want peace, the EU is trying to win a war against Russia. While European citizens want to protect the purchasing power of their wages, they are instead becoming poorer," PM Orbán said.
Weidel echoed these concerns, blaming Germany’s ruling establishment for pursuing ideological policies that weaken national sovereignty. "Hungary has become a symbol of sovereignty and independence for us," she said, expressing admiration for Hungary’s firm stance on migration and energy policy.
PM Orbán also condemned the EU’s economic policies, particularly its energy strategy. He described the Green Deal as a failure that should be abandoned, not reformed.
"Electricity costs are two to three times higher, and gas prices are three to four times higher than in America. You cannot win an economic competition like this," he argued. Weidel agreed, calling Germany’s energy transition a disaster that has eroded industrial competitiveness.
Migration was a central theme, with both leaders denouncing the EU’s handling of border security. PM Orbán reiterated that Hungary is being fined €1 million per day for refusing to accept illegal migrants, a policy he insisted would remain unchanged.
"Had we followed their instructions, Hungary would look like Germany today, and that is something we do not want," he said, criticizing Berlin for failing to acknowledge Hungary’s role in defending Europe’s external borders.
"We are Germany’s border guards. We are protecting Schengen from the south. At the very least, they should stop shooting us in the back," he added.
On foreign policy, PM Orbán reaffirmed Hungary’s position as one of the few European nations advocating for peace in Ukraine. He also noted the shift in Washington’s approach, stating, "It is no longer just the Vatican and Budapest advocating for peace, but also Washington." Weidel, who has also pushed for de-escalation, voiced hope that a future German government would align more closely with Hungary’s stance.
Closing the press conference, PM Orbán dismissed speculation that his meeting with Weidel was election interference. Instead, he called it a recognition of the AfD’s growing political strength. "The time has come when relations with the AfD can no longer be punished at the state level," he said, urging European conservatives to work together against Brussels' centralization of power.