At an anti-war rally in Hatvan organized by the Digital Civic Circles, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán issued a stark warning against policies promoted by the Tisza Party, calling them a threat to Hungary’s economic and social fabric. “There are things in the making under the Tisza programme that will break the Hungarian people,” the prime minister declared, emphasizing the need for continued national independence and political stability.
PM Orbán focused his address on three pillars: keeping Hungary out of war, maintaining utility cost reductions, and preserving national sovereignty. “If there is no cheap Russian energy, there is no utility cost reduction,” he said. “Then we will have to pay double, triple, even quadruple the price for energy.” He said Brussels wants Hungary to abandon its model, explaining that “our system is unique in Europe—that’s why they attack it.”
On foreign policy, the prime minister warned against deeper European involvement in the Ukraine conflict. “If Hungary does not stand firmly against the war, they will push us into it,” he said. “The Tisza Party—whether they want it or not—cannot stay out. That’s why Fidesz is the safe choice.”
Reaffirming his commitment to peace, PM Orbán stated: “I can keep the country out of the war.” He urged Europe to acknowledge that a negotiated settlement must come from outside actors. “External forces must persuade the Ukrainians and the Russians to make peace,” he said, warning that Ukraine’s admission into NATO or the EU could trigger disastrous consequences. “If Ukraine joins NATO, that means world war. If it joins the EU, it will bring war risk and massive economic problems.”
Turning to domestic achievements, he referenced developments in Hatvan and other towns, including hospital renovations and reduced crime. “We took over more than one billion forints of debt from the municipality in 2011. Since then, car numbers are up 40 percent, and crime has halved,” he said
On the future of industry, the prime minister revealed a strategic shift. “The future belongs to skilled workers,” he said. “In March, we’ll revive a new branch of Hungarian automotive manufacturing—Rába-Tatra.” He reassured workers: “Hungarian car factories are among the best of the Western conglomerates. They are the least likely to be shut down.”
He emphasized that Hungary’s economic future depends not only on technology, but on the dignity and value of labor—especially physical work. He highlighted the performance of Hungarian industrial workers as a national strength: “Hungarian workers are better, more competitive, and better than the workers in most similar factories operating in foreign countries. And it’s thanks to these workers that these factories are staying open.”
In his closing remarks, PM Orbán addressed concerns about coalition governance. “Coalition governments must be avoided at all costs,” he said. “First, we must define our goals. Only then can we choose the right people to achieve them.”
Reinforcing Hungary’s independent path, PM Orbán rejected the notion that national identity must be defined in relation to others. “We are Hungarians. Why should we define our position compared to someone else?” he asked. “We have our own goals, our own national interests—and we stand by them. That’s it.” The prime minister underscored that Hungary’s decisions, from energy policy to foreign affairs, are driven not by external expectations but by what serves the Hungarian people best.