Prime Minister Viktor Orbán emphasized the profound transformations shaping today’s world. “Two significant processes are underway,” he began, “the first is a global realignment of power, and the second is a battle within the Western world between progressive liberals and patriots.”
Discussing this realignment, PM Orbán explained how Asia’s economic rise has shifted the flow of wealth and influence. “Since China joined the WTO, Asian economies have grown at a pace that defies all previous expectations. This shift has resulted in Asia contributing more to the global economy at the expense of the West,” he said. Underscoring the long-term implications, the prime minister noted, “As GDP growth translates into military and diplomatic power, the world will gradually reorient itself.”
On the internal struggles of the West, PM Orbán declared, “The liberals are losing, and the patriots are winning.” He pointed to Donald Trump’s presidency as a key milestone in this trend. “Trump’s victory was the patriots’ greatest triumph over liberalism, offering the West a chance to redefine its place in the new global order,” he added.
The prime minister did not hold back in his critique of Brussels, describing it as “the last stronghold of liberalism.” Comparing it to a dark fortress, he remarked, “This is Mordor, where the liberals have retreated. But the tide is turning—elections across Europe, from the Netherlands to Austria, have consistently favored patriots.”
PM Orbán issued a stark warning for Europe’s future: “If the West does not urgently address its competitiveness issues, its share of global economic output will continue to diminish. This decline will lead to irrelevance.” He also questioned whether Western democracies could solve their mounting problems within the framework of current political systems, cautioning that “there have been centuries where democracy failed to deliver solutions.”
Turning to the United States, PM Orbán discussed his long-standing relationship with Donald Trump, emphasizing the benefits Hungary stands to gain from his return to power. “This is not a recent connection. Hungary was the only country to support Trump during his first campaign. Now, we can look forward to reversing the discriminatory visa policies and welcoming American investments in cutting-edge technologies,” he stated.
On the ongoing war in Ukraine, the prime minister highlighted the unsustainable financial burden borne by the West. “The combined spending of America and Europe on this war is staggering—far beyond Hungary’s annual economic output. Eventually, this financial strain will lead to calls for peace,” he predicted, adding, “Peace starts with a ceasefire, and that is what we are waiting for.”
PM Orbán also looked to the future, declaring that Hungary’s post-war economy would pivot to growth and innovation. “The past thousand days of hardship are over. The 2025 budget reflects a ‘year of peace,’ and we foresee significant wage growth and new opportunities for young workers,” he said, explaining that initiatives such as the Sándor Demján program and expanded housing schemes promise to support Hungary’s ambitions.
Concluding the interview, PM Orbán struck an optimistic tone, stating, “The patriots are on the rise, and the world is shifting. We must stay focused and work together to ensure Hungary remains a key player in this new global order.”