Viktor Orbán blames immigration and EU for deadly attack in Germany

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has sparked controversy by linking immigration to a terrorist attack that occurred in Magdeburg, Germany, on December 20, 2024. During a press conference, he expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and condemned the incident as a terrorist act. He argued that the attack, where a Saudi-born man drove into a crowded Christmas market, demonstrates a concerning trend associated with mass migration, claiming that prior to the 2015 migrant crisis, such violent acts were rare in Europe. Orbán’s remarks come amid ongoing tension between Hungary and the European Union regarding immigration policies. The Hungarian government has taken a hardline stance against immigration since the onset of the migrant crisis, implementing strict border controls and rejecting EU-mandated refugee quotas. These policies have led to legal consequences, including a ruling from the European Court of Justice which ordered Hungary to pay 200 million euros for not complying with EU asylum rules. In his statements, Orbán indicated that the European leadership desires Hungary to experience similar incidents as Magdeburg, alluding to the EU's approach to migration. He expressed confidence that Hungary would maintain its current policies regardless of external pressures, emphasizing national sovereignty over EU mandates. Orbán’s administration has faced criticism for its anti-immigration rhetoric, with opponents arguing that such statements only serve to instigate fear and division. The attack in Magdeburg, perpetrated by a 50-year-old Saudi immigrant known for his radical anti-Islam views, has reignited the debate on immigration in Europe. This incident is not an isolated one; over the past decade, Christmas markets have become targets for extremist violence, raising significant security concerns. Orbán's remarks reflect a broader populist sentiment in Europe that capitalizes on fears about migration and terrorism, further complicating relations between Hungary and the EU as both sides stand firm on their respective positions regarding immigration policy.