Szijj¡rt³: The Era of Seeking Berlin’s Permission is Long Over

Budapest: Hungary no longer needs approval from Berlin or Brussels for its foreign policy decisions, Foreign Minister Pter Szijj¡rt³ said on Monday, rejecting recent German criticism of Prime Minister Viktor Orb¡n’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to About Hungary, Szijj¡rt³, speaking on the programme Igazs¡g argued that some political actors still follow what he described as a ‘pathological need to conform,’ first to Moscow, and now to Brussels and the ‘European extreme liberal mainstream.’ He emphasized that the government pursues a foreign policy based solely on national interests.

The minister stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue with Russia, citing Hungary’s energy supply dependencies. ‘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 stated.

Szijj¡rt³ dismissed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s assertion that PM Orb¡n travelled to Moscow without European authorization. He remarked that the era when Budapest needed Berlin’s permission for actions is over and belongs to the past century. He affirmed that the Hungarian prime minister does not require approval from ‘Berlin or Brussels’ for any decisions.

He also highlighted Hungary’s achievement in securing a US exemption from sanctions affecting pipeline transport. This move, he argued, prevented a potential tripling of Hungarian household utility costs by Christmas. ‘Fortunately, the results of the utility price cuts are safe,’ he said.

Szijj¡rt criticized EU-level figures, particularly European People’s Party leader Manfred Weber, who he claimed suggested Hungary was isolating itself within Europe and praised opposition politician Pter Magyar. Szijj¡rt³ accused Magyar of intentions that would ‘open the door for Brussels to bring in migrants and push Hungary into the war,’ which he insisted must be prevented.

Addressing accusations of isolation, the minister noted that PM Orb¡n had recently engaged in high-level meetings in both Washington and Moscow. He contrasted this with Manfred Weber, whom he stated is ‘not received anywhere of real significance.’

Szijj¡rt³ concluded by asserting that Europe’s ‘pro-war elite’ is frustrated by its recent failures 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 Orb¡n.’