PM Orbán at Anti-War Rally Stresses Hungary’s Role in European Peace and Security

Nyíregyháza: At a major anti-war gathering, Prime Minister Orbán delivered a significant address emphasizing Hungary’s pivotal role in shaping a peaceful and secure future for Europe.

According to About Hungary, Prime Minister Orbán highlighted his recent diplomatic mission to Moscow, where he secured vital energy guarantees from Russia. These guarantees ensure the continued delivery of oil and gas through the winter and into the next year, which he stated is crucial for maintaining Europe’s lowest household energy costs. He emphasized Hungary’s commitment to its utility cost reduction system and its efforts to persuade Ukraine to pursue peace for the benefit of Europe as a whole.

In his speech, Orbán criticized Western strategies that treat war like a chess game, emphasizing the human cost of conflict. He stated, “The most horrible thing in the world is when a parent has to bury their child,” underscoring the need for Hungary to act in its national interest by advocating for a ceasefire and peace negotiat
ions.

The prime minister cautioned against a European security architecture built without Hungary’s input, which he believes would threaten the nation’s future. He stressed the importance of Hungary’s involvement in any peace talks, stating, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”

Domestically, Orbán outlined an ambitious development plan for Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County, announcing a 670 billion forint investment over the next decade to boost employment, infrastructure, and growth. He noted that there are now fifty thousand more people working in the region than in 2010 and that unemployment has halved. Despite acknowledging historical disadvantages, Orbán emphasized the government’s commitment to equal opportunity, highlighting investment decisions like BYD’s expansion into Southern Hungary.

Turning to the European Union, Orbán criticized Brussels for pushing Hungary towards a war-supporting, leftist government. He warned that if the opposition were to take power, they would implement harsh ta
x increases targeting middle-class and urban voters, particularly in Budapest. He linked these policies to leaked plans from the Tisza Party, which align with longstanding EU demands for a multi-rate tax system, pension taxation, and heavier burdens on entrepreneurs.

Orbán accused Brussels of attempting to turn Hungary into a country it can control, arguing that opposition figures align with EU interests rather than Hungarian ones. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence in public support, asserting that Hungary will win the debate on war just as it did on migration.

Concluding his speech, Orbán highlighted the symbolic and cultural strength of rural Hungary, quoting author Gyula Krúdy: “In the Nyírség, even those whose fathers didn’t speak Hungarian become fiercely Hungarian.” He reaffirmed his connection to the region and concluded with the saying, “City air makes you free, but village air makes you Hungarian. We need both-freedom and Hungarian identity.”