He accused Orbán of having lost touch with reality: he failed to address the problems in Hungarian health care, education and the economy in his address, while also ignoring the fact that two-thirds of Hungarian youth envisage their future abroad.

Molnar also criticised Orbán for allying himself with Donald Trump, the US Republican Party’s presidential candidate. The leftist Democratic Coalition (DK) said Orbán had “declared war” on the European community as well as Hungarians hoping for freedom, democracy and prosperity.

Party spokesman Zsolt Gréczy accused Orbán of planning to withdraw Hungary from the EU, moving his country “suffering from deep political, economic, social and cultural crises even further towards the precipice”. The Együtt party accused the prime minister of hypocrisy.

“While betraying the rule of law and European values, Orbán is sanctimoniously concerned for Europe, while as a troll of Russian president Putin is the one trying to weaken the global role of the European Union,” the party said. The green LMP party said Orbán had criticised the EU while failing to propose any solutions.

Bernadett Szél, the party’s co-leader, said Orbán was wrong to claim that Hungary is a safe harbour in an uncertain world; hundreds of thousands are having to leave for abroad, the health care system has collapsed, education is in ruins and wages are low.

The Dialogue for Hungary (PM) party said the Baile Tusnád address was just a “poor campaign speech” before the migrant quota referendum.

The radical nationalist Jobbik party said Orbán should take his share of the responsivity for the current state of Europe.

The ruling Fidesz party and the Socialists are both part of the same political elite that the prime minister claims has failed, party leader Gábor Vona said, adding that the failure of the elites and the strengthening of antielite political parties in Europe would soon reach Hungary.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.

MTI photo: Balogh Zoltán