Mateusz Morawiecki, the former Polish prime minister and candidate for the presidency of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), has pledged to enhance the role of nation-states in the EU. He envisions a more sovereign Europe built on collaboration and reform.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that Budapest defines itself in opposition to Brussels, aiming to transform the EU’s direction in the coming years. At a summit in Brussels, Orbán called for migration control, lower energy prices, and a Christmas ceasefire in Ukraine.
Six months ago, many questioned whether Hungary could fulfil the role of ‘honest broker’ required for the EU Presidency. Now, as the semester concludes, it is evident that Budapest has delivered one of the most successful and memorable presidencies in the history of the European Union.
‘This year has been full of lessons for conservatives on both sides of the Atlantic. There is an obvious need and constant request by voters everywhere for common sense conservative policies. The European elections showed this quite clearly by producing for the first time an alternative, centre-right majority in the European Parliament.’
In his regular Friday morning radio interview, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán discussed Hungary’s foreign policy and economic priorities. Orbán underscored that without the involvement of the Biden administration, there would be no war in the EU’s neighborhood. He also praised the peace-promoting efforts of Pope Francis, whom he met this week during a visit to Vatican City.
On Wednesday, after barely three months in power, the French National Assembly voted no confidence in the government of Michel Barnier, toppling it—a scenario not seen since 1962. What is certain is that the largest EU member state will face months of political paralysis, but it remains unclear who will ultimately benefit. If an early presidential election were to occur, Marine Le Pen would likely emerge as the fortunate beneficiary.
Viktor Orbán has been a highly constructive politician in recent years, shaping his positions around Hungary’s national interests, incoming President of the European Council Antonio Costa said in a recent interview. The former Portuguese prime minister has known Orbán for many years and is a frequent visitor to Budapest.
A new court ruling this week has prevented Italy from transferring migrants to reception centres in Albania under an agreement with the Balkan country. Similar cases highlight that the position of national and European courts on migration is one of the biggest obstacles to addressing this pressing issue.
Prosecutors have demanded prison and a ban from public office for Marine Le Pen, a key figure in the French National Rally party. Viktor Orbán responded to the accusations against his ally, stating: ‘Marine, please remember we are with you in this battle!’
A recent content analysis by the Center for Fundamental Rights reveals that in the year leading up to the US presidential election, Donald Trump cited Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán 109 times, which far surpasses mentions of other European leaders such as Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Hungarian Conservative is a quarterly magazine on contemporary political, philosophical and cultural issues from a conservative perspective.