Viktor Orbán was the inaugural guest of Harcosok órája (Warriors’ Hour), a new daily political podcast hosted by Fidesz spokesman Balázs Németh. The Hungarian Prime Minister used the platform to touch on a wide range of issues from digital activism to migration and election prospects, presenting a vision of political resilience and national pride.
Orbán reported that tens of thousands had already joined the newly launched Digital Civic Circles and the Warriors’ Club, grassroots digital networks aimed at countering online disinformation and mobilizing conservative supporters. He described the internet as a ‘hostile space’ where lies spread easily, but emphasized that ‘we can only be confident in the digital space if we protect each other.’ He criticized Hungary’s left-wing opposition for embracing disinformation and praised the public for increasingly recognizing the importance of defending conservative values online. He pointed to more than 600 active digital civic circles, including plans to launch one focused on rethinking Budapest’s future.
In terms of upcoming elections, Orbán said the earliest possible date for the 2026 vote is mid-April, though the official announcement must come from the president. He brushed off viral videos of young voters chanting anti-government slogans, noting that youth turnout remains the most uncertain factor in polling. ‘It’s not enough to shout at concerts,’ he added, ‘you have to vote.’
On the housing front, he promoted the Otthon Start programme as a rare initiative in Europe that allows people to invest in home ownership rather than rent. He acknowledged concerns about rising real estate prices, but pointed out that subsidies apply only to properties below a set price cap.
Turning to international affairs, Orbán drew a sharp contrast between Donald Trump and European leaders, saying Trump ‘had breakfast’ with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during their trade talks. He also mentioned recent US–UK deals that he said surpass the EU’s efforts. Notably, he criticized the idea of a European army, calling it unrealistic since the European Commission ‘has no military’. On Emmanuel Macron’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state, Orbán warned that the democratic extension of rights to migrants could shift the political balance of Europe. ‘Where Muslim voters outnumber Jews, the Jews pack up and leave. That’s happening now,’ he said, adding that ‘Europe is suffering’ because of it.
He dismissed calls to debate political newcomer Péter Magyar, saying he only debates ‘those who aren’t on someone else’s payroll’, and took aim at opposition figures like Lajos Korózs for mocking government initiatives. According to Orbán, such reactions show that ‘the Left is vanishing from the map.’
‘He encouraged citizens to speak more openly about Hungary’s achievements, which he said are often overlooked’
Despite these tensions, he said Hungary’s political path must be based on hope and self-confidence. ‘The core principle of democracy is that it will be how the people decide,’ Orbán stated. He encouraged citizens to speak more openly about Hungary’s achievements, which he said are often overlooked. ‘If the country is successful, the government can’t be a failure,’ he remarked.
The Warriors’ Hour podcast will broadcast live on YouTube every Monday to Thursday at 7:30am, continuing for 258 days. Each episode promises a mix of commentary, news, and debate, anchored in the belief that Hungary must fight for its place both online and in Europe.
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