Speaking in the programme Igazság Órája, Szijjártó argued that some political actors still follow what he called a “pathological need to conform,” first to Moscow, and now to Brussels and the “European extreme liberal mainstream.” He said the government instead pursues a foreign policy based solely on national interests.
According to the minister, maintaining dialogue with Russia remains essential. “We cannot afford to abandon diplomatic channels with a country from which a significant part of our energy supply comes, and which — whether we like it or not — will remain a key player in Europe’s and the world’s security architecture,” he said.
Szijjártó dismissed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s claim that PM Orbán travelled to Moscow without European authorization. “Those times are over — and thankfully belong to the past century — when someone in Budapest needed permission from Berlin to do anything,” he stated. He added that the Hungarian prime minister does not require approval from “Berlin or Brussels” for any decision.
He argued that if Hungary had not secured a US exemption from sanctions affecting pipeline transport, disruptions in Russian energy deliveries could have caused Hungarian household utility costs to triple by Christmas. “Fortunately, the results of the utility price cuts are safe,” he said.
Szijjártó also criticized EU-level figures, responding to statements by European People’s Party leader Manfred Weber, who suggested Hungary was isolating itself within Europe and praised opposition politician Péter Magyar. Szijjártó claimed Magyar would “open the door for Brussels to bring in migrants and push Hungary into the war,” something he said must be prevented.
As for accusations of isolation, the minister pointed out that PM Orbán had recently held high-level meetings in both Washington and Moscow. “Not this Manfred Weber, who is not received anywhere of real significance,” he added.
Szijjártó concluded by saying that Europe’s “pro-war elite” is frustrated by its failures in recent years and by the fact that “one European leader — and only one — can speak simultaneously with the world’s major power centres: Washington, Moscow and Beijing. That is Viktor Orbán.”