The Patriots are marking the anniversary of the sweeping conservative victory in the European Parliament elections with a celebration in Mormant-sur-Vernisson, France. Several leading members of Patriots for Europe alliance are speaking at the gathering, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The occasion marks one year since the European elections that brought major success to patriotic parties, allowing for the formation of a broad nationalist group in the European Parliament.

At the start of his address, PM Orban praised Marine Le Pen, calling her a true fighter, a remarkable person, and a tireless leader. “She never betrays, never abandons anyone, and follows the law of honor,” Mr. Orban said, adding that
France must be a wealthy country if it can afford not to have her as its next president.
He noted that Budapest lies 1,300 kilometers from Paris, and the French have little reason to know much about Hungary. Their histories rarely intersect, and when they do, it’s not always fortunate. Still, there have been beautiful moments. He added:
Victor Hugo once wrote that Hungary is the embodiment of heroism. It once was — and something of that remains. Hungarians make good musketeer material. When we set out, we go all the way. We went all the way and died by the thousands in heroic battles against Soviet tanks on the streets of Budapest.
He continued by poiting out that conquered Hungary did more for freedom and justice than any other nation in the past two decades, which earned Hungarians a place in world literature. He acknowledged that Hungary is not a great power like France, but what makes it noteworthy is its politics.
Hungary is the black sheep of the European Union. Brussels’ nightmare. The hope of European patriots. And the last bastion of Christianity. I came here to tell you the Hungarian story,
– PM Orban said. He recalled that he was born into dictatorship and Soviet occupation, and that freedom and democracy had to be fought for. “The eggheaded Brussels bureaucrats attacking Hungary have no idea what it means to fight for freedom, for democracy, or for your homeland. They should be quiet and get to work,” he said.