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We must save the freedom gained at the regime change – Orbán gives exclusive interview to Hír TV

We must save the freedom gained at the regime change – Orbán gives exclusive interview to Hír TV

From Magyar Nemzet · () Hungarian

Translated from Hungarian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Interview Named sources Context piece
  • Former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that Ukraine has repeatedly deceived Hungary and its ethnic Hungarian minority.
  • Orbán criticized the current government's agreement with Ukraine, suggesting Hungary received nothing in return for concessions.
  • He also discussed challenges facing both left-wing and right-wing media in Hungary, advocating for support of individual journalists over party structures.

Former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has asserted that Ukraine has repeatedly deceived Hungary and its ethnic Hungarian population in Transcarpathia. Orbán criticized the current government's recent agreement with Ukraine, stating that while Hungary provided everything Ukraine requested, it received nothing substantial in return, leaving the country vulnerable to Ukraine's adherence to its promises.

Ukraine has deceived our country countless times, and the Hungarians in Transcarpathia as well.

— Viktor OrbánFormer Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's criticism of Ukraine.

Orbán also addressed the issue of European Union funds, contrasting the current government's approach with his own past strategy. He explained that his government secured Hungary's rightful funds by leveraging the upcoming seven-year EU budget, refusing to approve it until Hungary received its due payments from the previous budget. He emphasized that this was money Hungary was entitled to, not something to be begged for or negotiated.

What was due to us, was due to us.

— Viktor OrbánFormer Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on securing EU funds.

Discussing the media landscape, Orbán identified significant challenges for both left-wing and right-wing media outlets in Hungary. He proposed that instead of supporting media organizations, resources should be directed towards individual journalists and groups who bravely champion freedom of speech. Orbán suggested that Fidesz, his party, should allocate all its resources to support such individuals, arguing that the crucial battles for freedom are fought among people, not within party offices.

We are probably not the ones who need to support media outlets, but rather personalities, people and groups engaged in courageous journalism who stand up for freedom.

— Viktor OrbánFormer Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's views on supporting journalists.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Magyar Nemzet in Hungarian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.