Viktor Orbán granted an exclusive interview to public news television M1, in which he discussed President Tamás Sulyok’s qualities and abilities, as well as his meeting with former US President Donald Trump, among other topics.
‘Tamás Sulyok is a president who is stable, predictable, well-known, and who can convey his calmness to all of us,’ the Hungarian Prime Minister underlined. He noted that Sulyok, inaugurated on Sunday last week, is Hungary’s seventh head of state, having collaborated with each of them during his tenure as prime minister. This experience has endowed him with a nuanced understanding of the type of president suitable for various circumstances, and the qualities essential for effectively serving Hungary in any given situation.
PM Orbán highlighted the current situation is ‘turbulent,’ with former President Katalin Novák stepping down due to the pardon case, which significantly affected the emotions of the Hungarian people. ‘In such circumstances Hungary’s interests are best served by a stable, calm, predictable, and widely recognized head of state capable of conveying reassurance.’ He added that Tamás Sulyok epitomizes these qualities.
The prime minister then shared with the audience several previously unknown details from the days leading up to the nomination and election of Tamás Sulyok. He mentioned that before proposing Sulyok’s nomination to the ruling party’s parliamentary group, he had requested a meeting with the former President of the Constitutional Court. During the meeting, a number of foreign policy, moral, and constitutional issues were raised.
PM Orbán described Tamás Sulyok as a deeply religious Catholic man who perceives his appointment not as a matter of vanity or personal interest, but as service. ‘We will now have a President who will serve his country from his heels to his ears, with every fibre of his being, wholeheartedly and as a devout soul,’ he emphasized.
Bringing Peace to Ukraine
In the interview, the prime minister also discussed his recent visit to the US, where he met with former US President Donald Trump last Friday. Orbán expressed that Hungarian–American relations are currently strained, and with the current US administration, there is no way to move the relationship forward. According to PM Orbán, the reason behind this is Washington’s pro-war government, which contrasts with Budapest’s pro-peace stance.
‘Donald Trump is the president of peace’,
the prime minister said, stressing that the former Republican President has ended several conflicts during his tenure. Donald Trump has made it clear that his goal is to bring peace to the Russo–Ukrainian war, a goal Hungary strongly supports—nothing less than peace, a ceasefire, and an end to the conflict. ‘I see no other man as determined and strong as Donald Trump who can do this,’ PM Orbán underlined.
The prime minister also mentioned that Trump has outlined specific plans for ending the war, which align with Hungary’s interests. ‘Donald Trump possesses a clear and compelling vision that is difficult to dispute: he refuses to provide any support to the Russo–Ukrainian war, and consequently, the war will cease,’ the Prime Minister stated.
Orbán also shared a post on the social media platform X regarding the visit.
‘President Donald Trump was a president of peace. He commanded respect in the world, and created the conditions for peace. During his presidency there was peace in the Middle East and peace in Ukraine. We need him back more than ever! Thank you for the invitation, Mr. President!’
The prime minister also highlighted in the interview the significance of Donald Trump’s election for the Hungarian economy. ‘Currently, there is nine billion euros worth of US investment in Hungary, with the trade turnover between the two countries roughly equivalent,’ he explained. ‘This presents an opportunity for us to gain three billion euros. However, the lack of a new double taxation legislation by the current US administration poses a serious obstacle to strengthening relations.’
Orbán stated that doubling the current nine billion euro turnover is a realistic goal. It would significantly benefit the Hungarian economy if a friendly and allied United States were to prioritize Hungary as an economic and investment destination. This would also bring substantial gains for the Hungarian people. ‘If Joe Biden wins, that would be detrimental,’ PM Orbán added.
A Conservative Island in Europe’s Liberal Ocean
In the interview, the prime minister mentioned that he also delivered a presentation at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank responsible for shaping Trump’s professional agenda. ‘They perceive Hungary today as a unique entity,’ Orbán explained. ‘In their view, Europe represents a vast, liberal, progressive ocean, and amidst it, Hungary stands as an island striving to live, think, and behave differently. They describe Hungary’s approach as conservative politics.’
‘Hungary has a high standing in the United States today because it has accomplished things that they would like to emulate but cannot,’ the Prime Minister stated. These achievements include managing migration, ensuring public safety, as well as promoting family values and fighting LGBTIQ-propaganda.
‘We are in a better position in terms of recognition and prestige than we usually think,’
PM Orbán remarked. He explained that US Republicans understand the challenges facing Hungarian–American relations, acknowledging that the Democratic administration expects actions from Hungary that it cannot and does not wish to fulfil.
The prime minister mentioned that Hungary’s role as a bridge between East and West was a significant topic at the event organized by the Heritage Foundation. Currently, German investment in Hungary amounts to €25 billion, while American and Chinese investments stand at €9 billion and South Korean investment at €6 billion. Orbán noted that Chinese and US investments are currently balanced, but Chinese investments are growing while American investments are stagnating. Therefore, if the US wishes to compete with China, it needs to increase its investments in Hungary.
PM Orbán expressed a strong belief that if Donald Trump get re-elected, there’s a significant possibility of him reaching a trade agreement with China. He further commented that it would be beneficial for Hungary if German, Chinese, South Korean, and American capital could collaborate within the country. He underscored that increasing the scale of cooperation could lead to improved prosperity for Hungarians.
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