Pressman Attacks, PM Orban Fights for Peace

In his speech at the Independence Day reception, the United States ambassador to Budapest lashes out at the Hungarian prime minister, who happened to be in Kyiv for talks that very day. David Pressman, who is often critical of Hungary and has also told outright lies, made a very threatening statement.

David Pressman, the United States ambassador to Budapest, carrying his country's flag in the 29th Budapest Pride Parade on Budapest's Andrassy Avenue on June 22, 2024 (Photo: MTI/Robert Hegedus)

The prime minister's policy chief in a long post criticized David Pressman, who regularly interferes in Hungarian domestic affairs. In his critique, he recalled that "the US Embassy in Budapest recently attacked Hungary for continuing to purchase natural gas from Russia". Balazs Orban explained that

energy security is a sovereignty issue. Any ambassador accredited here lashing out against Hungary over such specific policy issues shows a complete confusion about their role. These issues are no business of any incumbent ambassador or foreign power.

"The Hungarian government is accountable only to Hungarian voters," he added.
 

Cover photo: David Pressman, the United States ambassador to Budapest, carrying his country's flag in the 29th Budapest Pride Parade on Budapest's Andrassy Avenue on June 22, 2024 (Photo: MTI/Robert Hegedus)