Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has proposed a new NATO rule while accusing the European Union of undermining Hungary. Orban emphasised the necessity of military strength for peace, suggesting that without armies, war becomes inevitable.
“The existence of armies does not lead to war, their absence leads to it,” Orban told Kossuth Radio’s “Good Morning, Hungary!”, adding that an army and the ability to defend oneself are crucial.
While acknowledging that Hungary’s military is not yet robust enough, he stressed the ongoing efforts to strengthen it. Orban expressed concerns about Russia‘s intentions, questioning whether it would stop if it defeated Ukraine. He noted that the Russian army’s inability to crush Ukraine suggests that Russia is not a threat to NATO, whose strength far surpasses Ukraine‘s.
The Hungarian PM reiterated that NATO is a defensive alliance and condemned what he perceives as a mood of preparation for war in Brussels and Washington.
“What is happening today in Brussels and Washington, perhaps now more in Brussels than in Washington, is a kind of mood preparation for a possible direct military conflict,” he said, likening it to the prelude to World Wars I and II.
The Hungarian leader criticised the EU’s support for Ukraine, questioning the continuous supply of weapons and funds. He warned of a potential clash between NATO, the EU, and Russia, describing it as leading to “the darkest visions”. Orban emphasised that Hungary adheres to NATO’s charter, opposing NATO’s involvement in conflicts outside its territory.
“We’re there, but we’re not,” Orban said, highlighting Hungary’s non-participant status in NATO operations outside its territory. He mentioned that Hungarian diplomats do not support such participation, and legal efforts are underway to maintain Hungary’s NATO membership without engaging in external conflicts.
Turning to the European elections, Orban framed them as a choice between war and peace, linking this to the stakes of the American election as well. He criticised risk capital investors, specifically naming György Soros, and accused the Hungarian left of being financially influenced.
Orban expressed outrage at the European Union‘s penalty of six million euros per day on Hungary for its stance on migration. “They shoot Hungary in the back from Brussels,” he said, condemning European leaders’ decisions.