Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán vowed to “purge” officials he deems compromised by Brussels – including judges, journalists, politicians, and non-governmental organizations he labeled “pseudo-civil” – should his Fidesz party win parliamentary elections in April. The declaration, made Saturday during a state-of-the-nation address, comes as recent polling data indicates a tightening race with the opposition Tisza party, marking Orbán’s most significant electoral challenge since assuming office in 2010.
Orbán framed the European Union’s capital as a greater threat than Russia, stating, “We must get used to the idea that those who love freedom should not fear the East, but Brussels.” He characterized concerns about Russian aggression as “primitive and laughable,” whereas asserting that Brussels represents a “clear reality and a source of immediate danger.”
The Prime Minister’s comments follow years of disputes with Brussels over rule-of-law concerns, resulting in the withholding of billions of euros in EU funding from Hungary. The European Parliament last November called for a tougher stance against Hungary over perceived breaches of democratic principles and the rule of law.
Orbán also claimed that a “Brussels plan” exists to draw Hungary into war, alleging that international banks and oil companies are colluding with “the Brussels elite” and the Hungarian opposition to defeat his party. He accused Tisza party leader Péter Magyar of being willing to cede national sovereignty and support the financing of the war in Ukraine.
Magyar, who is currently leading in most polls, has pledged to restore Hungary’s standing within the European mainstream. His party aims to unlock approximately 18 billion euros in EU funds currently frozen due to concerns over democratic backsliding. However, Magyar has been cautious regarding direct military involvement in Ukraine, ruling out the reinstatement of conscription or the deployment of Hungarian troops.
Orbán directly attacked Magyar, alleging that Brussels and global corporations are backing his campaign and that a victory for Magyar would lead to the “robbing of Hungarian families.” He also accused Magyar of being the target of a smear campaign reminiscent of tactics used in Russia, claiming that a compromising video of Magyar with a former girlfriend is set to be released.
In response to Orbán’s accusations, Magyar is preparing his own state-of-the-nation address. He has recently engaged in diplomatic outreach, meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, presenting Anita Orbánová as a potential future foreign minister.
András Biro-Nagy, director of the Policy Solutions institute in Budapest, suggested that the prominence of the war issue is diminishing, with concerns about cost of living and the quality of public services gaining greater importance for voters. Orbán announced plans to initiate a nationwide signature drive against “Brussels’ war plans,” a proposal endorsed by the Fidesz leadership.
