In an interview with Jürgen Winterleitner on krone.tv, renowned journalist Paul Lendvai describes the devastating consequences of Viktor Orbán’s policies for Hungary and the European Union. Lendvai talks about corruption, Orbán’s retention of power and the growing divisions in the EU.
Paul Lendvai has known Viktor Orbán since the beginning of his political career and describes him as the “most famous and notorious Hungarian politician in contemporary history”. Orbán has developed from a left-wing politician to an authoritarian ruler. “Orbán’s goal is to stay in power”, Lendvai explains. This retention of power goes hand in hand with systematic corruption, which has made Hungary the most corrupt country in the European Union. “Hungary is currently considered the most corrupt country”, Lendvai emphasizes.
The genius of evil
Orbán managed to use all mechanisms to secure his power and suppress any opposition. “There is also a genius of evil,” says Lendvai. This genius is evident in Orbán’s deft tactics, both on the national and international stage. A central goal of Orbán is to use the EU presidency to further consolidate his own power. “He will try to use the presidency to stabilize his power,” Lendvai explains.
Orbán and international politics
Viktor Orbán’s international strategy is focused on building alliances that strengthen his position. His support for former US President Donald Trump is particularly worrying. “Orbán is counting on Trump to win,” Lendvai said. This support for Trump and other authoritarian leaders around the world weakens the unity of the European Union. “With all these activities, he is weakening the unity of the EU,” Lendvai warned.
Orbán and international politics
Viktor Orbán’s international strategy is focused on building alliances that will strengthen his position. His support for former US President Donald Trump is particularly worrying. “Orbán is counting on Trump to win,” Lendvai said. This support for Trump and other authoritarian leaders around the world weakens the unity of the European Union. “With all these activities, he is weakening the unity of the EU,” Lendvai warned.
Division of the EU in the interest of a clan
Orbán’s policies are creating deep divisions within the EU, which Lendvai believes are in the interests of a small circle of power. “It is a division of the EU in the interests of a clan, a power group,” he explains. This divisive policy is particularly dangerous because it destabilizes not only Hungary, but the entire Union. Lendvai also criticizes the admiring voices in other European countries, such as FPÖ representatives in Austria, who see Orbán’s authoritarian model as a role model. “The recipe that these parties represent is a suicidal recipe, a return to the old days of national passion,” he warns.
Orbán’s policies have caused many young Hungarians to leave the country. “There are about 600,000 people, young people, who have left Hungary, three times as many as when I fled to Austria,” Lendvai reports. This shows how much the country suffers from the corruption and backwardness caused by Orbán’s government policies.
What do you think about Viktor Orbán and his political course? Join the discussion and tell us what you think in the comments.
You can see the entire interview in the video above.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
