Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Saturday that the European Union (EU) poses a greater threat to Hungary than Russia, accusing Brussels of seeking to undermine his government by supporting the opposition.
Orban, who has been prime minister since 2010, is facing his biggest domestic challenge in years, as his nationalist Fidesz party has been behind the conservative Tisza party in most polls leading up to April elections.
Orban, who had long been critical of European military aid to Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion, took aim at the EU in a speech to supporters.
“We must get used to the idea that those who love freedom should not fear the East, but Brussels,” the prime minister said.
“Fear-mongering about Putin is primitive and unserious. Brussels, however, is a palpable reality and a source of imminent danger,” he said.
“This is the bitter truth, and we will not tolerate it,” Orban said.
