The first general assembly of the European Parliament political group Patriots for Europe (PfE) was held in Paris over the weekend. The event was attended by prominent figures from the European right including Viktor Orbán, Geert Wilders, Marine Le Pen, Jordan Bardella, and Santiago Abascal, to name but a few.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán delivered a speech at the assembly, emphasizing the importance of patriotism and a strong Europe. The prime minister began by thanking Marine Le Pen, leading figure of the French National Rally, for organizing the event and congratulating President of the Spanish VOX party Santiago Abascal on his election as the new chairman of PfE.
Analyzing the lessons of the US elections, he said: ‘President Donald Trump, himself a patriot, is returning to power after a one-term break. So, we can proudly say that we patriots are in the majority in the Western world.’
The prime minister highlighted the first key lesson, stating: ‘The left will stop at nothing to destroy us—politically, morally, and legally. They cannot tolerate the prospect of our return to power, as they believe democracy exists only when they are victorious. In their view, any means of preventing our success is justified. If they perceive us as gaining ground, they will weaponize the law and the courts to obstruct us.’
‘They have done this to Trump, to Matteo Salvini, and they are attempting to do the same to our host, Marine Le Pen, as well as to Herbert Kickl,’ PM Orbán stated, highlighting the need for a unified response.
According to him, the second lesson from the US elections is that even in extremely challenging circumstances, it is possible to secure not only a narrow majority but also a historic and decisive victory. The third lesson is that the right’s success lies in the left’s inability to govern, which he characterized as ‘an obstacle to the bright future of the people.’
‘Although they refer to themselves as experts, they are merely experts of the old world, not patriots of the new. However, new times demand a new era and new measures,’ Orbán opined. ‘The key lesson from President Trump’s campaign and victory is that we must take a stand and articulate our views loudly and clearly’ he stated.
The prime minister stated: ‘We do not need to shift towards the political centre because the centre has shifted towards us.’ He cited immigration as an example, highlighting its significance in Trump’s campaign. ‘President Trump did not propose deporting 30 percent of illegal immigrants, as the left has claimed. He called for 100 percent—and look at what the people chose! That is the kind of clear and courageous leadership we need. We must state it unequivocally: no gender ideology, no war, no immigration.’
‘We must take a stand and articulate our views loudly and clearly’
Orbán continued by stating that the West’s role in the world has inevitably shifted, and in the aftermath of the US elections, a new political reality is emerging in Europe. ‘Basically, we are the new reality—the patriots,’ he remarked.
The Hungarian prime minister underlined that the PfE currently embodies the voice of change within the EU, a trend clearly reflected in the results of the European Parliament elections. He noted that the Patriots are currently the third-strongest political group. However, by the end of the term, they could easily become the strongest, provided national election outcomes remain favourable—a possibility already suggested by opinion polls.
Orbán concluded his remarks with an optimistic outlook for the future. ‘A new chapter is unfolding—the patriots have emerged on the horizon, and the era of sovereignty has begun. When it fully arrives, we patriots must be prepared. We have a vision, clear objectives, and a concrete plan to execute them,’ he concluded.
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