Mr. Istvan Hegedus, former Hungarian MP, delivered his remarks at the International Conference “Defending Democracy: Battlefield of Truth”, organized in partnership with the Westminster Alliance for Ukraine.

Opening Remarks by Istvan Hegedus

Let me start, of course, with Hungary — since, as you said, ‘interesting’ is perhaps the last word we might use to describe today’s Hungary.

But first, as a Hungarian and a European, I would like to express my full solidarity with Ukraine. Ukrainians are fighting for their freedom and independence — not only for themselves, but also for Europe, and perhaps even for the entire world. We must support this struggle wholeheartedly.

This reminds me of our own Hungarian Revolution of 1956, when a previous generation — I was born later — fought bravely for freedom and independence, only to be crushed by Soviet tanks. We should remember that history, and we can only hope that this time the story ends differently — that this time, we truly overcome the same kind of evil that earlier generations faced under communist regimes and Stalinism.

Now, to my second point — the special case of Hungary. Contrary to our own national history and shared mythology, the current Hungarian government has developed a hostile attitude toward Ukraine.

I must emphasize — this is the government, not the nation.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has created a climate of hostility toward Ukraine, both domestically and across Europe. At the European Council and in international media, he repeatedly attacks Ukraine and tries to block its path toward EU accession — for purely selfish reasons: economic chauvinism and domestic political calculation. He always needs an enemy to mobilize his political base, especially now, as we approach general elections next year.

This anti-Ukrainian rhetoric goes hand-in-hand with an anti-European narrative, built on accusations, fake news, and Russian disinformation.
Orbán doesn’t go as far as calling President Zelensky a Nazi — that would be too much for the Hungarian public — but the tone and content are very similar to Russian propaganda.

In the pro-government media, which dominates Hungary’s public space, even the Bucha massacre is questioned — described as ‘unproven,’ or even falsely blamed on the Ukrainian military.
Zelensky is portrayed as arrogant, manipulative, and ungrateful — a man who blackmails the European Union while leading a country that ‘has already lost the war.’

Orbán stands increasingly isolated in Europe, promoting what he calls “realism,” but which I would rather describe as false realism and cynicism. I sincerely hope that he will remain isolated — or, ideally, defeated — in next year’s parliamentary elections.

Finally, because time is short, let me add one more reflection. Hungary is not unique anymore. What we see is a global trend of democratic backsliding. Authoritarianism and illiberal populism have spread across Europe and beyond. These parties and leaders are gaining influence worldwide. We must not allow them to set the agenda.

Liberals and democrats must fight back — with determination — at the national, European, and global levels:
in Hungary, in the Balkans, and even in the United States, as was mentioned earlier.

We should follow the inspiring example of the Ukrainian people. Ukraine must win — and so must liberal democracy, everywhere.”

The panel was held as part of the international conference “Defending Democracy: Battlefield of Truth”, organized within the framework of the project “Democratic Navigator”, with the support of the Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany.