Brussels has decided to go to war. If Brussels had not prevented the American president's (Donald Trump's) peace efforts, the war would already be over, says Orbán in his speech to supporters in Budapest.
They gather annually on October 23, the anniversary of the 1956 short-lived Hungarian attempt to overthrow Moscow's power in the country. For the right-wing populist ruling party Fidesz – as for most Hungarians – the revolt, which was brutally suppressed with military means, has a central place.
”Supports war”
Among those gathered in Budapest on Thursday, Hungarian flags and patriotic messages can be seen, but also Ukraine-critical slogans. "We do not want to die for Ukraine!" is written on a banner in the crowd. Orbán, who has strong ties to both Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, is a strong critic of Western military support to Ukraine.
The anniversary also marks the starting point for the campaign ahead of next year's Hungarian election, which is held in an increasingly polarized political climate.
Those who think they are supporting a change of government are in fact supporting war (in Ukraine), whether they realize it or not, says Orbán.
Against ”corrupt” elite
Challenging Orbán in the election is primarily opposition leader Péter Magyar, who is running his campaign against what he describes as a "corrupt" political elite. His supporters have also taken to the streets on Thursday, where they have gathered under the slogan "system change".
Magyar is expected to give a speech later on Thursday.
Orbán's Fidesz and Magyar's party Tisza are side by side in the latest opinion polls. Measurements from independent institutions show, however, a narrow lead for Tisza, writes The Guardian.
The election is held in April.
