During a speech in Baile Tusnad, Romania, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressed concerns about the European Union's direction, suggesting it was moving towards oblivion. Orbán criticized Europe for aligning too closely with the U.S.'s foreign policy, warning of potential self-destruction. He highlighted a shift in the global order, pointing to countries like China, India, Pakistan, and Indonesia as emerging dominant forces.
Orbán also made unsubstantiated claims about the U.S. being behind explosions damaging the Nord Stream gas pipelines and accused the Americans of terrorism. His recent diplomatic efforts in Moscow and Beijing have drawn criticism from EU partners, with Orbán's warm relations with the Kremlin raising eyebrows.
The Hungarian leader cast doubt on Ukraine's NATO and EU membership prospects, suggesting it might become a buffer state. Orbán's reluctance to provide military aid to Ukraine during the conflict with Russia has set him apart from other EU leaders.
Orbán, who currently holds the EU's rotating presidency, has aligned himself with former U.S. President Donald Trump, endorsing his candidacy and visiting him at Mar-a-Lago. He echoed Trump's rhetoric of nationalism and criticized efforts to hinder Trump's electoral bid.
The U.S. ambassador to Hungary responded to Orbán's comments, expressing concerns about the impact on bilateral relations. Orbán's controversial remarks at the Tusvanyos Summer University have become a trend, with past statements on building an 'illiberal state' and opposing a 'mixed race' society.
Orbán's anti-immigration stance and crackdown on press freedom have drawn criticism from the EU for violating rule-of-law and democracy standards. Despite being a divisive figure, Orbán remains popular among conservative populists for his strong stance on immigration and LGBTQ+ rights.
