The Hungarian Prime Minister criticized EU leaders for economic mismanagement and leading the bloc into decline.
Viktor Orban, Hungary’s Prime Minister, has strongly criticized Brussels, accusing the EU leadership of mishandling critical areas such as the economy, immigration, and security.
During a speech at Digital Civic Circles, a network of digital groups that promote conservative values in Hungary, Orban stated that the bloc is nearing collapse due to the failures of its current leaders.
Orban described the EU’s problems on Saturday with a vivid depiction of “mountains of debt, crowds of migrants, street violence, the increasingly dark shadow of war, mass layoffs, skyrocketing utility costs, impoverished households, and Brussels bureaucrats running around like panicked chickens.”
According to Orban, the EU has failed to establish itself as a strong global power and has instead become a symbol of weakness, indecision, and internal disarray.
He also criticized the “tragic” trade agreement with the US, which was signed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and added that the EU’s green policies are “killing European industry.” Orban pointed out that energy prices are “three to four times higher” than in the US, and countries like France are approaching unsustainable levels of debt.
“Europe, as we knew and loved it, is over,” Orban cautioned, adding, “If we deny this, we lose time. If we say it out loud, we gain time.”
Orban contrasted Budapest’s strategies with those of Brussels, highlighting stricter migration controls, a family policy linked to employment, and a tax system that he claims supports job seekers.
While sharply worded, Orban’s criticism reflects wider concerns shared by economists and analysts, with the International Monetary Fund and other institutions warning that the EU is at risk of long-term stagnation.
The IMF projects a growth of just 0.8% for the Euro-area in 2025 and 1.2% in 2026, while public debt remains close to 90% of GDP, and deficits continue to exceed 3%, which is well above pre-pandemic levels.
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