Orbán erupts at campaign rally calling protesters 'Ukraine lovers'
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán (photo: Getty Images)
Pro-Russian Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was unexpectedly booed at a rally in the city of Győr, long considered a stronghold of his Fidesz party. In response, Orbán reportedly erupted in anger, accusing attendees of "working for Ukraine," according to the Hungarian outlet HVG.
Hundreds of activists from the opposition party Tisza gathered in Győr's central square even before Orbán's speech, chanting anti-government slogans and demanding answers on corruption and the country's economic situation.
Tensions rose when unknown groups of men in black clothing, without identifying marks, blocked the protesters' path. Opposition leader Péter Magyar later called them "titushki" (a term denoting young, athletic men hired as provocateurs), allegedly brought by Fidesz to intimidate citizens. According to Magyar, police presence was minimal, creating a risk of direct clashes.
Persistent whistles and shouts from the opposition prevented the prime minister from delivering his speech calmly. Orbán reportedly shouted several times, in what observers described as a public tantrum.
"You support Ukrainians instead of standing with Hungarians! You want a pro-Ukraine government and to give Hungarian money to Ukraine!" he exclaimed.
Interesting that Győr has long been a reliable base for Fidesz and Orbán, but recent polls show a sharp drop in support for the party and rising opposition popularity: 40.5% for Fidesz versus 36% for Tisza in Győr.
Orbán fights to hold power
Hungary's current election campaign is unfolding amid serious scandals. Orbán risks losing power for the first time in 16 years, as Péter Magyar's Tisza party holds a significant advantage and could secure a constitutional majority.
Facing possible defeat, Orbán is resorting to dirty tactics, including provocations against the opposition and Ukraine, which the pro-Russian prime minister has portrayed as an adversary.
On March 21, The Washington Post reported that Russian foreign intelligence allegedly devised a plan to stage an assassination attempt on Orbán to influence the campaign, which he was losing. The subsequent outburst by Orbán allies effectively confirmed the media report.
Recently, Hungarian investigative journalists released a documentary titled The Price of the Vote, detailing widespread pressure by Orbán's party on voters ahead of the elections, including the use of money, threats, and even drugs.
