In Romania, Orbán Urges Supporters to Resist New Government

Speaking at a public appearance in the Romanian resort town of Băile Tușnad, former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called on his supporters to resist the new government. This was his first major public address since his Fidesz party's electoral defeat in April.

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Fidesz must now operate completely differently and serve national resistance.

Orbán declared that Fidesz must now operate in a completely different manner, serving as a force for "national resistance." He criticized the centrist Respect and Freedom party (TISZA), led by Péter Magyar, and its recent actions. In the initial weeks of their administration, TISZA has pushed through constitutional amendments and laws that Orbán claims significantly diminish Fidesz's prospects of regaining power.

Among the new measures, Orbán noted restrictions on future prime ministers serving more than two terms and parliament members serving more than three terms. He also mentioned the confiscation of Fidesz servers last Tuesday, stemming from preliminary prosecution investigations into alleged illegal campaign financing. Orbán accused the new government of lacking competence and aiming to eliminate the entire opposition.

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The new government wants to remove the entire opposition and lacks the competence to govern.

Looking ahead, Orbán predicted that the current crisis, exacerbated by high energy prices and shortages, would be insurmountable this autumn. He stated that Fidesz would then have the role of "supporting groups and organizations that love freedom." He characterized Fidesz's current function not as a party but as a "service center, an incubator, and ultimately, a kindergarten."

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Fidesz is currently operating not as a party, but as a 'service center, an incubator, and ultimately, a kindergarten.'