Orbán criticizes Brussels policies and comments on migration and the Ukraine conflict at the Patriots for Europe gathering.
Viktor Orbán, the Prime Minister of Hungary, commented on regional and European political dynamics during his speech at the Patriots for Europe conference in Montargis, France, on Monday.
He emphasized Hungary's distinct political stance, describing it as "Europe's black sheep" and "the fortress of Christians," while praising French political leader Marine Le Pen as a commendable figure who adheres to the law of honor and has never betrayed her principles.
During his address, Orbán reflected on his upbringing under a communist dictatorship and recalled the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.
He argued that European bureaucrats in Brussels lack the understanding of what it means to fight for freedom, suggesting they should remain silent.
He expressed concerns over what he described as a rapid decline in birth rates and the influence of progressive movements in Europe, alleging that NGOs funded from Brussels and Washington were undermining traditional values like family and nationhood.
He stated that migrants funded by George Soros and Brussels had infiltrated the region, causing societal issues.
Orbán asserted that Hungary has successfully resisted these influences by overthrowing the left, drafting a new constitution, building a border fence, and expelling migrants.
He claimed that the current migrant population in Hungary stands at zero, emphasizing a narrative of safety and stability within the country.
He criticized Brussels for its threatening behavior towards Hungary and expressed a commitment to maintaining national sovereignty by rejecting international legal pressures.
Orbán highlighted Hungary's stance on organized population changes in Europe, declaring that the country would prefer to incur daily fines of one million euros rather than accept any migrants, framing this as an investment in the future.
He also addressed the ongoing situation in Ukraine, advocating for a ceasefire and peace rather than further military engagement.
Orbán remarked, "We do not want to die for Ukraine; we do not want our sons to return in coffins.
We do not want an
Afghanistan next door." He expressed skepticism towards the European Union's potential military economic policy and arms race.
The conference coincided with the anniversary of the establishment of the Patriots for Europe party family, a coalition formed by Orbán, Andrej Babiš, and Herbert Kickl, which has become the third largest group in the European Parliament.
The National Rally (RN) in France has organized a celebration for June 9, inviting allies including Orbán to commemorate their political alliances.
Orbán remarked on the significance of the conference's location, noting that Montargis, once a flourishing city, has seen job emigration and subsequent social issues associated with migration, crime, and drugs.
He positioned these observations as lessons for Hungary to maintain its societal integrity.