Orban calls for 'national resistance'

Viktor Orban, former Prime Minister of Hungary and current opposition leader of his FIDESZ party, addressed the press for the first time since his electoral defeat on Wednesday, calling for a “national resistance” against the ruling TISZA government led by Prime Minister Peter Magyar. His remarks came shortly after authorities conducted raids at a data center housing FIDESZ servers, an action that has intensified political tensions in the country. The raids were announced on Tuesday, following claims that the new government under Magyar aims to limit the influence of FIDESZ through constitutional changes. Orban accused the administration of establishing an “authoritarian regime,” arguing that its constitutional reforms have undermined democratic institutions in Hungary. He pledged to restore the “democratic rule of law,” despite having previously consolidated power within state institutions, including the judiciary and media, during his 16 years in office. The current government, which took power after a controversial election, has sought to curb FIDESZ’s influence by altering key aspects of the constitution, including ending the term of President Tamas Sulyok, who was elected by FIDESZ members in 2024. Sulyok, whom Orban referred to as “the last legitimate head of state,” criticized the removal of his presidential powers as a politically motivated legal process designed to weaken FIDESZ. The government justified the move citing a severe loss of public trust in Sulyok, though critics argue the decision reflects broader efforts to marginalize the opposition. As a replacement for Sulyok, Magyar initially proposed Judit Polgar, the world-renowned chess grandmaster and former number one female player in the sport. However, Polgar declined the offer, stating she felt unprepared to take on the historical responsibility of uniting a divided nation. She expressed willingness to support a new president, emphasizing her desire to assist in restoring national unity. Magyar’s choice of successor remains unclear, adding uncertainty to the political landscape. Meanwhile, another key figure associated with Orban has stepped down, Gabor Balint Nagy, the general prosecutor appointed during Orban’s tenure. Nagy resigned, accusing Magyar of exerting pressure and labeling him as a “puppet” of Orban. He claimed that attacks against him had gone beyond acceptable professional discourse, highlighting the escalating tensions between the old and new governments. FIDESZ confirmed that its party offices, containing internet servers, were raided by the prosecution, linking the operation to investigations into alleged misappropriation of funds from the National Cultural Fund during Orban’s leadership. Orban dismissed the accusations as politically motivated, stating that it was problematic when a political party’s server is seized by the government of a rival party. The TISZA-led government denies any attempt to suppress political opponents, maintaining that its actions are lawful and necessary for governance. At his press conference, Orban introduced Janos Boka as the new leader of FIDESZ’s parliamentary faction, signaling a strategic shift within the opposition. He described the current political system under Magyar as illegitimate, claiming it marks the beginning of a “period of tyranny” in Hungary. Orban’s comments reflect growing concerns over the erosion of democratic norms, particularly given past criticisms from the European Union regarding Hungary’s adherence to the rule of law. These issues have contributed to financial penalties against the country, including frozen EU funding. Orban also mentioned his recent trip to the United States for a football-related event, though the context of this visit was not elaborated upon in detail. The ongoing political turmoil underscores deepening divisions in Hungarian society, with Orban and his allies positioning themselves as defenders of democracy against what they perceive as authoritarian encroachments. As the situation evolves, the role of international actors and domestic stakeholders will likely remain central to shaping the future of Hungary’s political landscape.