Budapest is on high alert following provocative remarks made by Hungarian Premier Viktor Orbán during his address at the National Festival on March 15, 2025. Known for his nationalistic rhetoric, Orbán labeled his political opponents as "Wanzen" (bugs), promising to initiate what he described as a "großen Osterputz" (great Easter cleaning) against those he claims have infiltrated his government, including the judiciary, media, and NGOs.
Speaking to thousands of supporters gathered outside the National Museum, Orbán's harsh words echoed through the crowd. "Die Wanzen haben überwintert" (The bugs have overwintered), he asserted, signaling his intention to root out what he perceives as the corrupt financial machinery, funded by foreign interests, responsible for buying off public officials, judges, journalists, and political activists.
Orbán claimed, "Wir liquidieren die Finanzmaschinerie, die mit korrupten Dollar Politiker, Richter, Journalisten, Pseudo-Zivilorganisationen und politische Aktivisten gekauft hat" (We are liquidizing the financial machinery which bought politicians, judges, journalists, pseudo-civil organizations, and political activists with corrupt dollars). This statement was met with both criticism and concern, with many seeing it as indicative of his increasingly authoritarian approach.
His remarks come at a time when Orbán's popularity is waning, with rising opposition, particularly from Peter Magyar. A former member of Orbán's Fidesz party, Magyar founded his own party last year and has consistently polled ahead of Orbán's party. During separate protests held on the same day, Magyar rallied his supporters, proclaiming, "Es reicht! Genug des Plünderns, der Arroganz, der Lüge. Es reicht!" (Enough! Enough of the looting, the arrogance, the lies. Enough!). Protesters echoed, chanting back at Orbán and his allies, "ins Gefängnis, ins Gefängnis" (into prison,into prison).
Orbán, now ruling for nearly 15 years, has consistently faced accusations of undermining the rule of law and media freedoms, leading the European Union to freeze portions of aid money directed at Hungary. Critics argue he has misused these funds to enrich loyal oligarchs and family members.
According to Christoph Heubner, Executive Vice President of the International Auschwitz Committee, Orbán's rhetoric is reminiscent of dangerous historic parallels. He stated, "Holocaust survivors are appalled and outraged by the hateful attacks and threats Viktor Orbán hurls at his political opponents, which also always have anti-Semitic undertones." He urged the European Commission to take action against Orbán's divisive and discriminatory language.
These comments also reflect Orbán's broader strategy of framing political opponents as agents of foreign influence, particularly those aligned with the European Union. During his speech, he claimed, "Die Brüssler Schützlinge arbeiten gegen ihre Heimat" (The Brussels protégés are working against their homeland). This narrative has become a key pillar of his political strategy, attempting to engender nationalistic fervor among his base.
With the next parliamentary elections on the horizon, set for Spring 2026, analysts predict Orbán will escalate his rhetoric and potentially increase repression against dissenters. His administration has made moves to amend the constitution to revoke the citizenship of dual nationals temporarily, targeting those like the billionaire George Soros, whose philanthropic efforts have long vexed the Fidesz-led government.
There is also growing concern about restrictive laws impacting civil organizations and media outlets. Many funding these groups derive from both state and private institutions within the EU, applied for through transparent processes. The Hungarian government's stance, positioning these entities as 'foreign agents,' continues to draw criticism domestically and from international observers.
Orbán's emboldened attacks on dissent underline the heightened political tensions as Hungary moves closer to elections. His reliance on polarizing language aims to consolidate his power by rallying his supporters against perceived enemies, both at home and abroad.
The precarious situation was encapsulated when during the festivities on March 15, two simultaneous narratives unfolded: one of nationalist fervor led by Orbán and the other of discontent from protesters demanding accountability and transparency. The political scene is increasingly charged, as citizens grapple with the growing authoritarian measures imposed by their long-time leader.
While Orbán continues to paint himself as a defender of national interests against foreign meddling, many Hungarians feel trapped between their government’s aggressive rhetoric and the fundamental rights of freedom and expression. With the specter of elections looming, it remains to be seen how these dual narratives will shape the future political landscapes of Hungary.