Orban's EU Confrontation: Hungary's Political Crossroads

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban accused the EU of attempting to overthrow his government and install a puppet regime. The statement comes amid rising support for the opposition party, Tisza, led by Peter Magyar. Orban faces criticism for his policies on the Ukraine war and migration.

In a bold accusation, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has claimed that the European Union is attempting to force his government out of power, aiming to establish a 'puppet' administration in Budapest. Speaking to supporters on the anniversary of Hungary's 1956 anti-Soviet uprising, Orban likened the political pressure to historic foreign domination.

The Hungarian leader has been at odds with the EU over several key issues, including his neutral stance on the Ukraine war and policies on migration. Orban asserts that Brussels' disapproval of his sovereign policies is part of a broader effort to undermine his government, though he provided no evidence to substantiate these claims.

Orban's pronouncements come in the context of mounting pressures from the opposition party Tisza, led by Peter Magyar, which has taken a lead in the polls for the first time since Orban was elected in 2010. Magyar has criticized the Orban administration over allegations of corruption and economic mismanagement, resonating with voter frustrations ahead of the next national election in 2026.

(With inputs from agencies.)