Orbán Warns of New World Order in Controversial Speech

BAILE TUSNAD, Romania (AP) — In a provocative address on Saturday, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán criticized the European Union, claiming it is on a path to oblivion and warning of a new, Asia-oriented world order. He expressed support for Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, suggesting that a significant change is imminent, one not seen in 500 years. Orbán also made unsubstantiated allegations that the U.S. orchestrated the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions, labeling it an act of terrorism. Orbán's comments come amid increasing scrutiny from European partners following his recent trips to Moscow and Beijing, where he sought to mediate an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Notably, he has diverged from EU consensus by refusing to supply Ukraine with weapons and has consistently delayed financial aid and sanctions against Russia. His close ties with the Kremlin have positioned him as a controversial figure among EU leaders. During his speech, Orbán reiterated his belief in Trump’s mission to restore a nation-state identity in the U.S., claiming that Trump is being unfairly targeted to thwart his electoral ambitions. He referenced a recent assassination attempt on Trump, suggesting it was part of a broader conspiracy against him. This address is not Orbán's first foray into contentious rhetoric; he has previously advocated for an "illiberal state" in Hungary and has faced backlash for his anti-immigration stance. He emphasized that migration cannot address Hungary's demographic challenges, reinforcing his long-standing position against immigration.