Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is betting big on his country’s refusal to conform to Western liberal ideology, confident it will yield major benefits as global power shifts. “The liberal world order is over,” Orbán boldly declared during a recent speech.
While Brussels has often condemned Orbán’s policies—labeling them authoritarian or even “racist”—and threatened sanctions, the Hungarian leader remains undeterred. He argues that the real authoritarianism lies with the EU’s bureaucracy, which he believes has been a detriment to member states.
“When the changes come, only those nations that harness their unique strengths will emerge victorious,” Orbán asserted, according to Russian state outlet RT. “Those who assimilate, follow the herd, and fail to embrace their national character will fade into irrelevance.”
Hungary: A Bridge Between East and West
Describing Hungary as the “westernmost eastern and easternmost western nation,” Orbán emphasized the importance of diversifying alliances. He stressed that Hungary seeks to integrate with all major global economic powers—not just the European Union.
Orbán also criticized the West’s handling of the Ukraine conflict, claiming that punitive sanctions against Russia have backfired, harming Europe’s living standards and creating further instability. Unlike many of his Western counterparts, Orbán has refused to send military aid to Ukraine. Instead, he’s focused on diplomacy, actively promoting peace talks through visits to nations including Ukraine, Russia, China, and the U.S.
Pinning Hopes on Trump
Orbán stands out as one of Donald Trump’s staunchest allies in the EU. The Hungarian leader has openly expressed hope that a Trump presidency could bring major changes to the situation in Ukraine.
In a world where conformity to liberal ideology dominates, Orbán’s unapologetic independence positions Hungary as a nation determined to forge its own path—regardless of the pressure from Brussels.
