Orban compares Hungary to Venezuela in criticism of Magyar's government
Former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban accused Peter Magyar's government of turning Hungary into "the new Venezuela" during a speech at the Balvanyos Summer Free University, where he called for a broad Fidesz-led resistance movement.
Speaking at the event, Orban claimed civil servants and political opponents were being targeted following his party's election defeat.
"Following discussions with the Americans, I realised that Hungary is the new Venezuela - just without the oil wealth. The American experts hit the nail on the head: similar methods, similar tools, even the timing. First, they purged state officials - both there and here - who didn't belong to Maduro's ruling party," he said.
Magyar's centre-right Tisza party won 141 of the 199 seats in parliament, ending Orban's 16 years in power and securing a two-thirds majority. The government says its reforms are aimed at tackling corruption and dismantling the political system established under the previous administration.
Orban also criticised the government's approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
"They have now abandoned neutrality, and Hungary has joined a pro-Ukrainian, anti-Russian European war coalition. My friends, this is not child's play; it is a deadly serious matter. In the event of the war escalating - which is clearly on the brink for all of us - they have made Hungary a potential military target," he said.
He concluded by calling on Fidesz supporters to oppose what he described as a new "authoritarian regime."
"Finally, ladies and gentlemen, our most important task is to stand up against this new tyranny - to say no to it, fight for freedom, build the broadest possible resistance, and forge the widest possible alliance for liberty," he said.
Since taking office in May, Magyar's government has introduced constitutional reforms that ended President Tamas Sulyok's term and reshaped several state institutions.
Fidesz has adopted a "Declaration of Resistance", describing Hungary's new political order as "illegitimate" and pledging not to participate in appointing replacements for officials removed under the reforms.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
