Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán engaged in a fiery confrontation with European lawmakers and international journalists in Strasbourg on Tuesday during a volatile press conference held ahead of his official address presenting Hungary's six-month rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The high-stakes media briefing was dramatically interrupted when Hungarian opposition councilor Márton Gyekiczki rushed the podium and hurled a stack of banknotes at Orbán, shouting that the prime minister had betrayed Hungary to Russia and China before being forcibly tackled by security personnel.
Disrupted Press Conference Sets Contentious Stage for Strasbourg Debut
Unfazed by the altercation, Orbán proceeded to mount an uncompromising defense of his controversial foreign policy maneuvers, specifically his self-styled 'peace mission' to Moscow and Beijing in July, which drew sharp condemnation from European capitals and the European Commission.
Orbán reiterated his longstanding assertion that Western military assistance to Kyiv has failed to alter the trajectory of the war, arguing that without direct high-level negotiations between Washington and Moscow, the conflict will irreversibly damage European competitiveness and economic stability.
“The European Union must change its strategy on Ukraine because the current approach has failed. We need an immediate ceasefire and diplomatic communication rather than prolonging a war that cannot be won on the battlefield.” — Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary
Clash Over Ukraine Strategy, Migration, and Frozen EU Recovery Funds
Mainstream political factions in the European Parliament, including the European People's Party, Socialists, and Renew Europe, warned that Orbán's address on Wednesday would face fierce resistance, condemning Hungary's erosion of judicial independence and the withholding of billions in EU funds.
Despite deep institutional friction, Orbán highlighted Hungary's official presidency motto—'Make Europe Great Again'—vowing to push for stringent external border controls, new competitiveness initiatives, and a re-evaluation of the bloc's green transition policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Viktor Orbán speaking in Strasbourg?
He was presenting the legislative priorities of Hungary's rotating six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union.
What happened during Orbán's press conference?
An opposition activist threw banknotes at Orbán in protest before being restrained by security guards.
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