Speaking on Kossuth Radio on Friday morning, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said the US president ‘likes the Hungarian people and hates war.’ He emphasized that the deal concluded in Washington last week guarantees Hungary’s continued exemption from EU sanctions on Russian oil and gas.
Orbán stressed that the utility price-cut policy remains intact, calling the deal ‘person-dependent’ and warning that a change in leadership on either side would jeopardize it. Without an agreement, he said, Hungarian households could have faced triple utility bills by Christmas and fuel prices approaching 1,000 forints per litre. According to the prime minister, this is an issue that should transcend party politics: ‘Even those who don’t vote for us benefit,’ he said.
Orbán described the US president as someone who considers the war meaningless and wants to bring it to an end: a leader who ‘wants to put pressure on Russia, but does not want to harm Hungary.’ He added that he concluded a five-year agreement with the United States to purchase liquefied natural gas, emphasizing that diversified supply increases national security.
The prime minister rejected opposition comparisons between the current US financial support framework and Hungary’s 2008 IMF loan, pointing out that the IMF demanded harsh austerity measures, including the removal of the 13th-month pension. By contrast, today’s ‘financial shield’ consists of tools friendly countries can use to assist one another if needed.
Orbán said the current US administration views Hungary as an ally because the two governments share similar positions on illegal migration, support for families, and efforts to achieve peace. He also referred to preparations for a ‘major peace summit’ in Budapest, noting that Hungary is the only country maintaining open diplomatic channels with all parties, including Russia.
‘The current US administration views Hungary as an ally’
He sharply criticized Brussels for attempting to bypass Hungary’s vetoes on Russia-related energy measures by rebranding sanctions as ‘trade policy decisions’, which require only majority approval. ‘This is a legal violation intended to sideline governments that disagree,’ Orbán said, adding that he has additional tools to counter EU plans, though he declined to elaborate.
On domestic policy, Orbán defended long-term commitments such as the newly introduced 14th-month pension, expanded tax relief for mothers, and increased family benefits. While acknowledging that such measures carry financial obligations, he insisted they rest on solid fiscal and economic grounds.
When asked about meaningful debate with the Tisza Party, Orbán said national consultations serve precisely to clarify real policy positions. He argued that both Tisza and the Democratic Coalition follow ‘left-wing, tax-raising economic policies’, and that their true intentions will eventually become visible: ‘People see through them,’ he opined.
The prime minister also addressed plans to double the base allowance for foster parents, stating that vulnerable children must never be left without support. He said the government wants to ensure both moral and financial recognition for foster families in order to offer more children a chance to grow up in a family environment. While some children will always need institutional care, he expressed strong confidence in church-run institutions and hopes they will take on an increasing share of responsibilities.
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