PM Orbán began by noting a shift in diplomatic engagements, highlighting a constructive meeting with the Romanian prime minister, which he described as a sign of progress. "This year, I did not receive a diplomatic demarche, but rather a prime ministerial invitation," he said. He emphasized the importance of Romania as Hungary's third most significant economic partner and expressed his commitment to supporting Romania's Schengen membership and the development of a high-speed rail connection between Budapest and Bucharest.
"We will put Romania's Schengen membership on the agenda and push for the Budapest-Bucharest high-speed rail connection," PM Orbán stated.
The prime minister’s speech also reflected tension with Brussels, particularly over the EU's stance on the Ukraine conflict. He criticized the EU for what he sees as contradictory policies that support war under the guise of seeking peace. "Brussels wants to create peace by continuously supporting the war," PM Orbán remarked. However, despite initial resistance, there is a growing shift towards a peace-oriented approach within European politics, he added.
Focusing on three main themes, the prime minister discussed the unforeseen consequences of the war, the post-war world, and how Hungary should prepare for the emerging global order. He underscored the need for a comprehensive Hungarian strategy that encompasses all Hungarians, including those living outside the country's borders.
"An overall Hungarian approach is necessary," he said, justifying the importance of addressing Hungarian communities abroad.
PM Orbán used a metaphor from the film "The Matrix" to illustrate the stark realities revealed by the war. "The war is our red pill from 'The Matrix.' It takes us to a vantage point and gives us a completely different perspective," he explained. He suggested that the brutal losses on both sides of the conflict highlight the importance of external intervention for peace, asserting that both Ukraine and Russia are driven by their own perceived truths and ambitions. "If it is up to the two parties, there will be no peace; it must be brought from outside," he added.
The prime minister described the conflict as a proxy war involving the USA and Russia, with Ukraine's newfound alignment with the West giving it a renewed sense of purpose. "Since the beginning of (my) peace mission, Western leaders have held talks; things are brewing, and we are slowly shifting to a peace-oriented European policy," he noted.
He praised Russia's economic resilience and adaptability, contrary to the Western portrayal of the country as a rigid autocracy. PM Orbán quoted Mike Tyson, saying, "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth," to emphasize Russia's unexpected resilience in the face of sanctions. "The Russians have adapted, becoming one of the world's largest producers," he pointed out.
The prime minister lamented the collapse of European politics, accusing the continent of sacrificing its core interests for the sake of following the USA's foreign policy. "The European policy has collapsed. Europe has given up defending its interests and follows the USA's foreign policy unconditionally," he asserted. He pointed out that the traditional power axis of Paris-Berlin has been supplanted by a new London-Warsaw-Kyiv axis, reshaping Europe's geopolitical landscape.
Addressing the shifting dynamics within Europe, PM Orbán criticized Poland for abandoning the V4 cooperation and aligning more closely with the USA. He accused Polish leaders of hypocrisy for condemning Hungary's dealings with Russia while engaging in similar activities themselves.
"In Warsaw, our Polish brothers are pursuing the most hypocritical policy, attacking us for our business relations with the Russians while they themselves are happily doing business with them," he said.
In discussing Western decline, PM Orbán argued that the West has forsaken the concept of nation-states, embracing a post-national mentality. "The West's goal is to surpass the nation, transferring sovereignty from nation-states to Brussels," he said. He stressed the importance of maintaining national sovereignty, culture, and moral standards, contrasting this with the West's acceptance of multiculturalism and migration.
"In the Western mindset, the nation-states no longer exist. In our understanding, nation-states have roots in a specific culture and have a biblical foundation," he added.
PM Orbán emphasized the need for intellectual courage, asserting that Hungary must understand and navigate the ongoing global changes. "Intellectual courage is needed; our fate will be decided by whether we understand what is happening in the world," he stated. He predicted a significant shift towards Asia as the new world center, driven by demographic, technological, and economic advantages. The prime minister also highlighted Donald Trump's efforts, saying that his “experiment is the USA's last chance to maintain world leadership."
On the domestic front, PM Orbán outlined Hungary's grand strategy, focusing on connectivity, national sovereignty, and demographic sustainability. "The essence of the Hungarian grand strategy is connectivity; we must be present in both the Eastern and Western economies," he explained.
He called for strengthening Hungary's middle class, retaining the rural village structure, and extending family support policies to Hungarian communities abroad. "The rural system must be preserved, and urban-level services must be provided in villages," PM Orbán emphasized. He also underscored the importance of recruiting young, patriotic individuals to carry forward this long-term vision, acknowledging that the current leadership would not see its completion. "We need to find national-spirited, brave young fighters," he concluded.