Highlights: Viktor Orban delivered his annual speech on the State of the Nation on February 17. The Hungarian Prime Minister paid tribute to the President of the Republic, Katalin Novak. Novak resigned after the indignation caused by his decision to pardon a convict involved in a child crime case. “ Hungary first ”: this is Viktor Orban’s slogan, a slogan copied from that of his role model, Donald Trump. Not once did he say the word “Russia” and if he mentioned Ukraine, it was to accuse Brussels of encouraging war.

Hungary: Viktor Orban addresses the nation in the midst of a political crisis

This February 17, Viktor Orban delivered his annual speech on the State of the Nation, while an unprecedented crisis is shaking the country after an independent media revealed that the President of the Republic had pardoned the accomplice of a pedophile . The Hungarian Prime Minister began his speech with this embarrassing subject and then, eager to close the chapter, recounted Hungary's successes.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban during a press conference in Budapest, December 21, 2023. © Denes Erdos / AP

By: RFI Follow

With our correspondent in Budapest,

Florence La Bruyère

On a platform decorated with around twenty Hungarian flags - but without a single European flag - Viktor Orban first paid tribute to the President of the Republic, Katalin Novak, who resigned on February 10 after the

indignation caused

by his decision to pardon a convict involved in a child crime case.

“

A highly respectable woman who fought for the Hungarians and represented her country in an exemplary manner

,” said the Hungarian Prime Minister. “

His resignation is a correct gesture, but it is a great loss for Hungary

,” he added before praising the economic successes of his government.

Read alsoHungary: Viktor Orbán denounces a Europe “already at indirect war with Russia”

Isolationist and pro-Trump speech

Not once did he say the word “Russia”. And if Viktor Orban mentioned Ukraine, it was to accuse Brussels of encouraging war. “

We have said it in vain, it is a civil war between two Slavic countries which does not concern us. But Brussels got involved in the conflict

,” he insisted.

An isolationist speech, even if Viktor Orban announced that Hungary would finally

ratify Sweden's membership in NATO

. “

Hungary first

”: this is Viktor Orban’s slogan, a slogan copied from that of his role model, Donald Trump. “

I would very much like Donald Trump to be president again, and to bring peace to Eastern Europe!

“, he chanted to the applause.

Read alsoNew resignation in the state scandal which shakes Hungary, thousands of demonstrators

Hungary: Viktor Orban addresses the nation in the midst of a political crisis

Hungary: Viktor Orban addresses the nation in the midst of a political crisis

Isolationist and pro-Trump speech

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