Prime Minister Viktor Orbán offered a sweeping critique of the European Union’s recent customs agreement with the United States during a radio interview on Friday, calling for leadership change in Brussels and presenting new domestic policies to support Hungarian families and workers.
Commenting on the current state of global affairs, Orbán pointed to a series of crises from the war in Ukraine and the rise of artificial intelligence to economic uncertainties triggered by US tariffs. He said young people in particular are facing mounting challenges. ‘Who knows how long they’ll keep drifting in this world,’ he remarked.
The prime minister emphasized the importance of housing ownership as a cornerstone of Hungarian stability and identity. ‘In Hungary, owning property means freedom and security,’ Orbán stated. While many European countries favour rental models, his government’s strategy continues to encourage home ownership.
‘In Hungary, owning property means freedom and security’
He introduced a new housing support initiative, saying: ‘This is an offer, a chance. We’re saying: start now.’ The programme, shaped through discussions with banks and real estate developers, aims to boost home construction and job creation, while putting price caps in place to avoid speculative housing bubbles. ‘This isn’t about luxury homes, it’s about creating opportunities for the middle class,’ he explained.
Orbán also addressed a parallel support scheme for public sector workers, allowing them to receive up to one million forints annually to cover mortgage repayments or as down payments for new homes. He argued this reflects the respect society should show to those in public service.
On tax relief for families, Orbán announced changes: maternity and parental leave payments will become tax-free, saving some families up to two million forints. From August, family tax credits will double, and starting next year, mothers with two or more children will benefit from personal income tax exemptions. ‘This is a tax revolution in Hungary,’ Orbán declared, insisting that careful economic management makes it possible to fund these initiatives.
Turning to foreign policy, he criticized the EU’s trade agreement with the United States, calling it weak and poorly timed. He cited the United Kingdom’s post-Brexit deal with Washington as proof that better negotiations were possible. ‘They botched the timing and the offer. They didn’t take Trump seriously when they should have,’ he opined. Orbán was particularly critical of Ursula von der Leyen’s role in the deal, accusing her of making commitments beyond her authority, especially on issues like energy. ‘Everything they could mess up in this agreement, they did,’ he said.
‘They botched the timing and the offer. They didn’t take Trump seriously when they should have’
He stressed that trade talks must aim for clear gains and minimized losses. Regarding the impact of US tariffs on Hungarian goods, Orbán estimated a potential 1.5 billion dollars in damage to companies operating in Hungary. He said Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and Economic Minister Márton Nagy would lead negotiations on possible responses.
To counter the damage, the government will prepare a job protection and industry defence plan, aiming to shield both employment and domestic production.
Finally, Orbán criticized the EU’s weakening global position, saying Europe has poor relations with both China and the US, while actively engaged in conflict with Russia. ‘Europe is weak, laughable, and lacks talent or vision,’ he said. ‘The European People’s Party supports von der Leyen, but that’s not enough. In times like this, you need to pack up your tent and go home.’
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