Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán Escalates Rhetoric Against Critics in National Day Speech

Orbán likens political opponents to 'insects' and promises intensified action against media, NGOs, and judiciary ahead of 2026 elections.

Viktor Orbán referred to his political opponents as 'insects' and announced a 'spring cleaning' campaign targeting media, NGOs, and judiciary in a speech marking Hungary's National Day.
Orbán accused critics of being funded by 'corrupt dollars' and pledged to dismantle what he called a 'shadow army' working against Hungary's interests.
The speech drew sharp criticism from the International Auschwitz Committee, which condemned the rhetoric as hateful and reminiscent of historical antisemitism.
Orbán faces growing domestic pressure from Péter Magyar, a former ally turned opposition leader, whose party is polling ahead of Orbán's Fidesz ahead of the 2026 elections.
The European Union has frozen some funds to Hungary over concerns about media freedom and rule of law, which Orbán dismisses as a conspiracy against him.