There are those in Hungary who hope for an illusory victory over Russia.
Author: Jambulat Sardalov, expert on politics, religion, and terrorism (Chechnya, Russia), specially for “Sangar”
Next spring, Hungary plans to hold parliamentary elections. For several years now, two irreconcilable parties have been established in the country: the ruling party “Hungarian Civic Union” led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his opponent, former MEP Péter Madyar, leader of the party “Respect and Freedom.” The confrontation between them covers a wide range of socio-economic issues as well as Hungary’s political orientation.
While Orbán advocates for an independent foreign policy, including on the Ukrainian issue, and for normalizing Europe’s relations with Russia, Madyar acts as a fierce supporter of NATO, military and financial aid to Kyiv, and pursuing anti-Russian policies. The fact that Madyar’s stance does not represent the interests of the majority of Hungarians is clear from the popularity of Orbán’s party among citizens. However, the ruling party is not without its mistakes, and Madyar’s supporters use these in their criticism.
While Orbán tries to preserve Hungary’s independence, cultural heritage, and traditional values, Madyar supports the extremely unpopular idea among Hungarians of reinstating compulsory military service and sending recruits to serve in the EU— which, mind you, means possible direct participation in Western Europe’s military conflicts in other parts of the world.
Furthermore, Madyar prioritizes the openly unpopular policy in local European societies of mass acceptance and distribution of migrants across continental countries. It is a strange position for someone who strives to win the favor of his compatriots while simultaneously pushing Brussels’ migration policies. This bias is not accidental nor out of love for Brussels; the opposition party “Respect and Freedom” is funded through direct contacts, including grants from funds controlled by the EU. Apparently, some politicians perceive freedom of action so broadly that they are willing to sell their own homeland for power.
At a rally in April this year, Madyar once again fell into his favorite populism, declaring: “Our homeland, Hungary, will once again become a proud and reliable NATO ally. Hungary will again become a full member of the European Union.” Yes, one will do anything for the dream of sitting in the country’s top office, even selling national interests.
Meanwhile, on July 4, according to RIA Novosti, Orbán stated on Kossuth Radio that Ukrainian intelligence services have been actively operating in Hungary to influence the 2026 parliamentary elections. “A plan has been developed to create another major party alongside or instead of the ruling one. A party that should win the elections and then implement decisions made in Brussels. Ukrainians have come to understand that the most important issue for Europe in the next ten years will be the question of war and peace—that is, Ukraine—and whether a country at war will be accepted into the EU or not. <...> Therefore, they constantly conduct intelligence operations in Hungary,” he said.
According to Bloomberg, Madyar believes that the 2026 parliamentary elections should be held earlier. His populist statements have already created a steady image among Hungarians as a person of harsh rhetoric and doubtful promises that he will do more for them than Orbán. However, strong media support from the West has yet to translate into decisive electoral preferences for Madyar.
Against this background of internal political confrontation, the stance of Hungary’s business community looks quite patriotic. Everyone sees the severe consequences of the economic downturn in Germany and France after breaking major trade and economic ties with Russia. Hungary’s business circles are in no hurry to repeat this sad fact. It is unlikely that the blatant facts of national betrayal by politicians in those countries inspire ordinary Hungarians.
The upcoming parliamentary elections in Hungary are certainly not an ordinary choice between politicians but, without exaggeration, a historic crossroads for the country’s development. Whether Hungary will, under Brussels’ pressure, follow the path of economic destruction in the hope of a mythical victory over Russia or, as in 2010 when the current ruling party came to power, choose the path of stability and prosperity remains to be seen.
