– “I follow developments at the Vatican for two reasons,” Prime Minister Viktor Orban told public Kossuth Radio's Good Morning, Hungary! program in his regular Friday morning interview. “On one hand, the Vatican is part of international diplomacy. On the other, as a believer, I follow it because spiritual guidance is essential.” On the election of Pope Leo XIV, Mr. Orban stated that the new pope is likely to continue the work of Pope Francis, so he does not expect major changes. From Hungary’s perspective, he said what matters is that we have a spiritual leader.
We need a solid moral and religious anchor in the world, when Christian values are under attack
– he added.
According to PM Orban, even the Reformed Church community needs someone they can look to — someone who offers moral and spiritual guidance.
A Decision Against Hungary
PM Orban emphasized that the decision to allow Ukraine to begin EU accession talks was made against Hungary’s position, as the country did not support it. He recalled Slovak PM Robert Fico’s remark that
Ukraine’s accession to the EU is economic suicide.
Mr. Orban went on to say that the European People’s Party had decided that the war must be sustained and Russian energy must be driven out of Europe. He hopes for the opposite. There are leaders who follow the words of Ursula von der Leyen—such as the Democratic Coalition (DK) and the Tisza Party—but the times we live in do not support this approach, he added.
Unprecedentedly Cheap Energy
Hungarians currently have access to energy at unprecedentedly low prices, Viktor Orban said.
In a typical "Kadar cube" (single-family housing blocs built during Hungary’s socialist Kadar era - ed.) Hungarians pay 280,000 forints annually for utilities. That same figure is 480,000 in Slovakia and around 880,000–900,000 in Poland.
He continued: “If we are cut off from Russian energy, Hungary would have to pay 800 billion forints more for imported energy. That’s the amount the government is currently using to support families through low energy prices. If this Brussels plan goes forward, families would pay double. And, according to PM Orban, this plan is supported by the opposition DK and Tisza parties. The opposition Our Homeland Movement (Mi Hazank), as well as the Fidesz–Christian Democrat (KDNP) party alliance form part of the European opposition who did not support it.”
Voks 2025 is Another Tool to Protect Low Utility Costs
Hungary faces difficult battles ahead in Brussels, Mr. Orban said, adding that it must form alliances and make legal preparations too. He emphasized that strength and support are needed—and Voks 2025 is a tool to help protect low utility costs.
He said he wouldn’t go to Brussels, wouldn’t become an MEP, and that he would abolish parliamentary immunity. Yet there he is, sitting in Brussels, hiding behind his immunity,
– Mr. Orban said, referring to Peter Magyar’s claim that the Tisza Party does not support Ukraine’s fast-tracked EU membership.“