Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán gave a lengthy interview to the French newspaper Le Point, in which he detailed the upcoming European elections, the right-wing alliance that seems to be forming in recent days, the Hungarian EU Presidency starting in July, and the threats facing Europe.
‘The future of the European sovereigntists and the right now lies in the hands of two women,’ Mr Orbán underlined. As reported earlier by Hungarian Conservative, the two right-wing political groups in the European Parliament—the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), founded by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Identity and Democracy (ID), which includes Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (NR)—have recently shown signs of willingness to form an alliance after the elections, potentially becoming the second largest political group in the new EP.
‘It all depends on whether Meloni and Le Pen can work together,’
the Hungarian PM highlighted.
‘If they manage to work together, either in a group or in a coalition, they will be the strength of Europe,’ Orbán pointed out. He added that this could be enough to transform the European right and even displace the European People’s Party (EPP), which he described as entirely German-led and ‘a German faction in reality.’
PM Orbán confirmed that the question of which right-wing group Fidesz, which left the EPP in 2021, will join after the elections is still undecided. ‘We would like to join the ECR, but we also want to be clear about their relationship with the National Rally and the EPP,’ the prime minister said.
Among other topics, the interview addressed whether PM Orbán views Russian President Vladimir Putin or, in Le Pen’s words, the creation of a ‘European superstate run by the Commission,’ as a greater threat to Europe. Mr Orbán asserted that Europe is currently not in military danger due to the strength of NATO, but that the
EU’s ideological leadership poses the most significant threat.
He found it strange that in some Member States adhering to certain principles and political interests was deemed more important than serving the people. For him, prioritizing the interests of nations is paramount.
Orbán also spoke about his special relationship with French President Emmanuel Macron. He mentioned that he is trying to establish this connection through deep and meaningful discussions, describing Macron as his polar opposite. ‘We believe in something completely different, but Macron understands the historical dimensions of things in a way that very few European leaders do,’ he pointed out.
Regarding Ukraine’s accession to the EU, Orbán reiterated that under the current circumstances, it would be premature to discuss membership, as the country’s borders and population need to be clarified first. However, Hungary views the Balkan enlargement as an opportunity rather than a burden.
Speaking about the Hungarian EU Presidency, which will start in July, the Prime Minister listed its main priorities: migration, the war in Ukraine, the green transition, the development of defence capabilities, and demography. Orbán also reassured those concerned about Hungary holding the rotating presidency from 1 July, saying it should not be overestimated.
‘It gives us the role of an honest broker, not a real leader,’
he said.
When asked why, if he has so many problems with the EU, he wouldn’t rather join BRICS, the PM Orbán explained that Hungary remains in the EU because 75 per cent of its exports go to the single market, which is vital for the economy.
Interestingly, the interview was conducted by French journalist Charles Sapin, who recently spoke to Hungarian Conservative about the upcoming European elections.
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