In an exclusive and extensive interview with the Hungarian daily “Blikk,” Prime Minister Viktor Orbán shared his insights on a variety of pressing issues, ranging from international security and the military operation in Ukraine to domestic political dynamics and his personal reflections on a 26-year-long political career. Orbán emphasized his continued reliance on Judith Varga’s expertise, downplayed concerns over Peter Magyar’s political activities, and expressed satisfaction with his achievements over the past two and a half decades.
Security Concerns and the Assassination Attempt on Slovak Prime Minister
Addressing the recent assassination attempt on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Orbán confirmed that he does not wear body armor during public appearances. He remarked, “I never wore it, and I don’t wear it now either,” despite the fact that a peace-supporting leader was targeted by a war-supporting assassin. Orbán highlighted the ongoing investigation, noting, “We still don’t know if we are dealing with a lone perpetrator.”
Orbán also reflected on the broader implications for his own safety, stating, “Whether he acted alone, we do not yet know; the intelligence reports I’ve seen haven’t concluded that.” He revealed that he starts his day by reviewing intelligence reports, which he considers crucial for understanding the complex security landscape.
Ukrainian Conflict and Upcoming European Elections
The Prime Minister reiterated Hungary’s firm stance as an advocate for peace in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, contrasting it with the majority of EU member states that support the war. He expressed hope that the upcoming European elections would bring a shift towards more peace advocates in the European Parliament and Council. “After the elections, I expect more supporters of peace in the European Parliament and the Council,” Orbán stated confidently.
Commenting on the potential for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, Orbán emphasized the complexity of the situation: “This is not just a war between Russia and Ukraine; the West is behind Ukraine. It is a proxy war, with probably parallel negotiations between Ukraine and Russia and the US and Russia.” He suggested that these negotiations would shape European security for decades to come.
Domestic Politics and Key Resignations
Orbán also discussed recent significant resignations in Hungarian politics, notably that of President Katalin Novak and former Minister of Justice Judit Varga. He described Novak’s resignation as a “nightmare” and unexpected, emphasizing that it was a decision made independently of government influence. “President Novak made the decision to resign and I think she made the right choice,” he stated.
Regarding Varga’s resignation, Orbán expressed regret, calling it an “unfair outcome” of political pressures. He continues to seek Varga’s advice, valuing her political insight and experience. “With Judit, I often ask her opinion on things. She is an experienced politician with European insight and I value her expertise,” he said.
Personal Reflections and Hungary’s Future
Reflecting on his 26-year political career, Orbán acknowledged the challenges but expressed satisfaction with Hungary’s progress. “I am never fully satisfied; everything could have been done better. But looking at our path, I think Hungary has done well over the years despite the ups and downs,” he remarked.
Looking to the future, Orbán is optimistic about Hungary’s trajectory. He noted the country’s resilience in recovering from COVID-19 and the impacts of the war, and he believes the coming years hold great promise. “The next two to three years could be extraordinary in the history of Hungary. I have a plan and it will work,” he declared confidently.
The interview provides a comprehensive view of Orbán’s perspectives on current political issues, reaffirming his commitment to peace and national sovereignty while navigating both international and domestic challenges. His insights shed light on the strategic thinking behind Hungary’s policies and its future direction in a rapidly changing world.
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