PM Orban: Ukraine’s Admission to the EU Would Be Economic Suicide

The ongoing consultative vote dubbed Voks 2025 is also a tool to protect low utility costs. If Ukraine joins the EU, families would pay twice as much for their utility bills.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Kossuth Radio's studio (Photo: MTI/Prime Minister’s Press Office/Benko Vivien Cher)

– “The European People’s Party has announced that they want regime change in Hungary and will help bring to power a government that follows their political line. This means admitting Ukraine, accepting migration, and adopting the mainstream European position on gender issues,” he added.

 

Fight for Leadership of the Opposition

Regarding the departure of former Socialist PM Ferenc Gyurcsany , PM Orban emphasized that the Democratic Coalition (DK) is in a life-and-death struggle with the Tisza Party, and the fight is over who will lead the opposition. As to the divorce of Ferenc Gyurcsany and his wife, Klara Dobrev, he expressed his sympathy.

 

Peace Requires Strength

Commenting on a recording released on Thursday by the Tisza Party—in which the defense minister speaks— PM Orban said it reflects the official position of the government. He added that the Hungarian Defense Forces exist to defend the homeland in the event of an attack. “The government needs fighters, and peace requires strength. That’s what we stand for. There’s no need to ‘expose’ that,” he said.

What disturbs him, he added, is the former Chief of Staff’s participation in what he called this “ongoing farce.” When he dismissed the Chief of Staff, he gave no reason, explaining now that the military must be kept out of political debates. This is why he did not comment at the time. However, data has since come to light that clarifies the real reason. “I didn’t feel that the Hungarian military was secure,” Mr. Orban said, adding that he felt the Chief of Staff was more pro-Ukrainian than pro-Hungarian. His interpretation was that the Hungarian interest could be served by being pro-Ukraine, but this is a decision for the country's responsible political leadership.”

Chief of Staff Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi Should Have Disappeared

“Our political decision, based on thorough analysis, was that supporting Ukraine in this war and in its accession process runs counter to Hungary’s national interest,” Mr. Orban said.

“” he said.

I thought he’d slink away in shame. When it came out that the general was getting liposuction at the Armed Forces' Hospital, I figured that was the end of him. But instead, he jumps right into the center of political life and goes on to attack Hungary’s leadership.

– he said.

 

Ambitious Commitments in the 2026 Budget

Speaking about the 2026 budget, PM Orban emphasized that their commitments are ambitious. He noted that the situation would be entirely different if Brussels sends Hungarian money to Ukraine.

This budget assumes that in 2026 Hungary will still have a national government—one that won’t send money to Ukraine,

– he added. He stressed that Hungarian funds will not be spent in Ukraine, but instead be used at home.

He signaled that 4.8 trillion forints will be spent on family support, 800 billion on utility cost reductions, and 7.7 trillion on pensions. In addition, the government will pay the six-month military service bonus, continue raising teachers’ salaries, and increase funding for healthcare.

– “The budget sets optimistic, anti-war, and ambitious goals,” PM Orban said.

On the topic of inflation, he noted that some sectors have unacceptable prices that are draining Hungarian families. “That cannot be allowed. The Hungarian government must protect its people,” he added. “That’s why we had to intervene in the pricing system.” After extensive experimentation, they chose profit margin regulation, which works, he said.

As a result, prices have been curbed  — particularly for food. However, prices of household products have also surged, so in that sector, retailers’ profit margins cannot exceed 15 percent. “This will trigger significant changes,” PM Orban stressed at the end of the interview.

Cover Photo: Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Kossuth Radio's studio (Photo: MTI/Prime Minister’s Press Office/Benko Vivien Cher)