Orbán calls for 'national resistance' against new Hungarian government, accuses it of abuse of power

Viktor Orbán Source: REUTERS/Marton Monus

Hungary's former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has escalated his rhetoric, accusing the new government of abuse of power and announcing a "national resistance" in response to reforms and investigations that hinder his return to power.

In his first major public appearance since losing the April election, Orbán called on his Fidesz party to resist what he described as the "arbitrary rule" of his successor, Péter Magyar. Speaking before thousands of supporters in the Romanian resort town of Băile Tușnad, Orbán stated: "Fidesz must now function completely differently and serve national resistance."

Government Reforms Target Orbán's Return

Magyar and his civic Tisza Party, in their first weeks in government, have passed constitutional amendments and laws that significantly weaken Fidesz's prospects of returning to power. Key measures include:

• No individual may serve as prime minister more than twice
• No individual may serve as a member of parliament more than three times

Additionally, initial investigations by the public prosecutor's office led to the seizure of Fidesz servers last Tuesday on suspicion of illegal campaign financing.

Orbán's Response and Predictions

Orbán accused the new government of seeking to eliminate all opposition while lacking governing competence. He predicted that by autumn, the government would fail to manage the crisis triggered by energy shortages and high energy prices. He claimed that hundreds of thousands of Tisza Party voters would then turn their backs on the government and oppose its "arbitrary rule."

Fidesz as a "Nursery" for "Freedom-Loving People"

Orbán, who was confirmed as party chairman at a party congress in June, described Fidesz's new role: "Fidesz now functions not as a party, but as a service center, an incubator, a nursery, if you will." He said the party must "support the groups and organizations of freedom-loving people."

Context and Criticism

The venue, Băile Tușnad, is located in the settlement area of the Hungarian ethnic group in Romania. Orbán has delivered a keynote speech there every summer. In 2014, he proclaimed the "illiberal state" at the same location. On Saturday, he noted laconically that he had been "invited as an opposition politician for the first time in 16 years."

While Orbán praises the "achievements" of his time in government as a "historical fact," critics accuse him of dismantling democracy and the rule of law. He is also alleged to have set up a corrupt system of cronyism under his control that permeated the entire country. Magyar, who himself came from the Orbán party but broke with it demonstratively in 2024, promised during the election campaign to eliminate this system.

dpa/nw