In Budapest, Hungary, the most prominent opposition figure in the country has called for the resignation of Balázs Orbán, a top aide to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Balázs Orbán, not related to the prime minister, faced backlash after his statements on a podcast where he implied that Hungary would not have defended itself against a Russian invasion like Ukraine did. The comments were made in reference to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to militarily defend his country following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Balázs Orbán’s remarks drew criticism, with Péter Magyar, the leader of Hungary’s strongest opposition party, accusing him of disrespecting the memory of Hungarian freedom fighters who had sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence. Magyar called for Balázs Orbán’s resignation by October 23, the 68th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian revolution. This incident has stirred controversy and fueled discussions about Hungary’s stance on defense and foreign policy.

As the political director and close advisor to Prime Minister Orbán, Balázs Orbán has played a significant role in shaping Hungary’s domestic and foreign policies. He has been known for his nationalist views and has actively engaged with segments of the U.S. Republican Party aligned with former President Donald Trump. Orbán’s government has taken a tough stance against Ukraine, impeding EU efforts to support Kyiv financially and militarily and to impose sanctions on Moscow for its actions in Ukraine.

Critics argue that Hungary’s actions regarding Ukraine and Russia have caused division within the European Union and have raised concerns about the country advancing Russian interests. While the Hungarian government has called for a cease-fire and peace talks in Ukraine, it has not provided clear plans on how to uphold Ukraine’s territorial integrity and ensure the security of Europe and NATO allies. Prime Minister Orbán’s unannounced visits to Russia and China in July, described as a “peace mission,” further strained Hungary’s relations with EU leaders, especially his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The controversy surrounding Balázs Orbán’s statements has reignited debates on Hungary’s role in European politics and its approach to international relations. Calls for Orbán’s resignation and criticisms from various political figures highlight the ongoing tensions within the Hungarian government and the broader European context.