Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán delivered a controversial speech at the 33rd Balvanyos Summer University and Students’ Camp in Baile Tusnad, Transylvania, Romania, on Saturday, July 27, 2024. Orbán criticized the European Union for allegedly following the U.S.’s pro-Democrat foreign policy unconditionally, even at the cost of self-destruction. He warned of a new world order dominated by Asia, citing China, India, Pakistan, and Indonesia as the future centers of power.
Orbán also accused the U.S. of being behind the 2022 explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines, calling it an act of terrorism without providing evidence. His remarks come amid criticism from European partners for his recent trips to Moscow and Beijing, aimed at brokering an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Orbán expressed doubt about Ukraine joining NATO or the EU, suggesting it would become a buffer state with security guarantees from the U.S. and Russia.
The Hungarian leader used the platform to indicate the ideological direction of his government and to criticize EU standards. He openly endorsed Donald Trump’s U.S. presidential bid, claiming that Trump aims to restore the American nation-state. Orbán’s remarks drew a response from U.S. Ambassador to Hungary David Pressman, who criticized Orbán for campaigning for a specific candidate and peddling Kremlin conspiracy theories.
Orbán reiterated his anti-immigration stance, stating that migration is not a solution to Hungary’s aging population. He has been accused by the EU of violating rule-of-law and democracy standards, cracking down on media and judiciary, and opposing LGBTQ rights and immigration.
The event was attended by prominent figures including Chairman of the Foreign Committee of the Hungarian Parliament Zsolt Nemeth and President of the Hungarian National Council of Transylvania Laszlo Tokes.
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