Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán delivered a powerful speech on the 177th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence of 1848–1849, emphasizing Hungary’s unwavering commitment to freedom. Speaking in Budapest at the Museum Garden surrounding the Hungarian National Museum—a key historical site of the revolution—Orbán also laid out Hungary’s ‘demands from Brussels’ in 12 points, referencing the historic 12 points of 1848. His message called for peace, freedom, and unity.
Against All Empires
Orbán began by stating that Hungarians have the fight for freedom coded in their DNA, describing 15 March—the outbreak of the 1848 revolution—not just as a historical event but as a sacred moment that defines the fate of the Hungarian people. He argued that this is why the world pays attention to Hungary, as it has always stood its ground against empires.
Drawing parallels with current global politics, Orbán noted that throughout history, many have claimed that ‘the future belongs to empires’, but these claims have always proven false. ‘They said in ’48 that the future belonged to the glorious empire of Vienna. They said in ‘56 that the future belonged to the red Soviet empire. And now they say the future belongs to the rainbow world empire,’ he remarked.
‘Hungary’s goal is not to leave the EU but to change it from within’
Referring to the re-election of US President Donald Trump and the results of the 2024 European elections, Orbán stressed that international politics is shifting, with Western patriots gaining strength—and Hungary is at the forefront of that change. ‘In the battle for the soul of the Western world, we stand victorious today,’ he declared.
During his speech, Orbán sharply criticized the European Union, accusing Brussels of abusing its power. ‘Brussels is abusing its authority just as Vienna did in the past. They want to rule over us like the viceroy of Vienna once did,’ he stated. However, Orbán made it clear that Hungary’s goal is not to leave the EU but to change it from within. ‘We must not move outwards but inwards. We must occupy and transform it,’ he asserted.
Union Without Ukraine
Turning to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Orbán reiterated Hungary’s stance in favour of peace negotiations, emphasizing that prolonging the conflict would have severe consequences for the countries involved and for Europe as a whole. ‘The war must end because every day of fighting means more lives lost,’ he stressed. He added that achieving peace is not only the responsibility of the warring parties but also a shared responsibility of all European nations.
Hungary has resisted external pressure to increase military aid to Ukraine, a position Orbán defended in his speech. ‘We are not sending weapons because we do not want to promote war, but peace,’ he said, insisting that the conflict can only be resolved through diplomacy. He reaffirmed that Hungary would take every possible opportunity to advance negotiations.
‘It is a question of fate that the Hungarian people must decide, because Hungary’s future is at stake’
Orbán also addressed the war’s economic consequences, noting that European countries—particularly in terms of energy prices and inflation—are bearing the brunt of the crisis. ‘While others are interested in continuing the conflict, we are looking out for the interests of the Hungarian people: we want peace, stability, and development,’ he said. He warned that a prolonged war would deepen Europe’s economic crisis and fuel growing discontent across the continent. Hungary’s position remains unchanged: ‘Peace is the solution, not the extension of war.’
As part of its response to the war’s broader geopolitical implications, the Hungarian government is launching a public vote on Ukraine’s EU membership. ‘This is not just a political issue; it is a question of fate that the Hungarian people must decide, because Hungary’s future is at stake,’ Orbán said. He insisted that Hungary should not be sidelined in discussions about Ukraine’s accession, as the decision will have direct consequences for all Hungarians.
Tackling Minions of Brussels
Addressing the issue of foreign influence in Hungary—a topic that has gained renewed attention after Donald Trump exposed the network of NGOs and media outlets funded by US Agency for International Development (USAID)—Orbán vowed to dismantle networks working against Hungarian sovereignty. ‘We will disband the entire shadow army. They are our modern-day minions, the minions of Brussels, who serve the empire’s interests in exchange for money,’ he declared.
Orbán accused certain political and economic groups of serving foreign interests rather than the Hungarian people. ‘For years, they have tried to interfere in our internal affairs to weaken our government and erode our sovereignty. These actors do not represent the Hungarian people’s interests but follow the orders of their foreign principals,’ he stated.
‘It is our responsibility to defend ourselves and prevent our country from being forced back into a subordinate role,’
The prime minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting national interests and dismantling foreign-funded organizations that undermine Hungary’s stability. ‘It is our responsibility to defend ourselves and prevent our country from being forced back into a subordinate role,’ he emphasized.
Orbán ended his speech with a bold message to his political opponents: ‘We will defeat you again, again, and again, because the sword is brighter than the chain.’
Setting the stage for his speech, Orbán posted a twelve-point list of Hungary’s demands from Brussels, calling for peace, freedom, and unity. The list includes calls for stronger national sovereignty within the EU, the protection of Europe’s Christian heritage, tougher measures against illegal migration, a ban on the unnatural indoctrination of children, and an EU without Ukraine.
Related articles:
