'We Are Closer Than Ever To World War', Says Orbán

  • 13 Mar 2023 6:27 AM
  • Hungary Matters
'We Are Closer Than Ever To World War', Says Orbán
The world is closer than ever to a local conflict becoming world war, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán told public radio.

“Leaders of the western world are gripped by war fever, holding speeches calling for winning the war and making further sacrifices, and sending increasingly dangerous weapons to Ukraine,” Orbán said. Rather than promoting peace unanimously, the world is divided: Turkic and Arab states, China and African countries want a ceasefire and peace talks, he said.

At the same time, Hungary is “basically the only” pro-peace European country besides the Vatican, he said. Pro-war countries are motivated as much by “business speculations, defence and economic policy considerations and calculations on post-war advantages” as by commitment to principles and faith, Orbán insisted.

Meanwhile, Hungary must have a strong military and promote peace at the same time, he said. Hungary needs a combat-ready army, and the government is working to increase the number of troops, their commitment to their homeland and vocation, their level of training, and their prestige, Orbán said.

They must also be equipped with modern weapons, he said. “Being pro-peace doesn’t mean we have to be defenceless,” he said.

MTI Photo: Vivien Cher Benko

  • How does this content make you feel?

XpatLoop Media Partner

Hungary Matters

Launched in January 2014, this newsletter published on week days covers 'everything you need to know about what’s going on in Hungary and beyond', according to its publisher the state media agency MTI.

  • Orbán to Meet Trump Soon?

    Orbán to Meet Trump Soon?

    • 5 Nov 2025 5:59 PM

    Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will visit Washington, D.C., on November 7 for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, government officials confirmed on Thursday.

  • Magyar to Shadow Orbán’s Tour of Hungary - On Same Days

    Magyar to Shadow Orbán’s Tour of Hungary - On Same Days

    • 27 Oct 2025 7:29 AM

    The Tisza party and the majority backing it will show you what a real tour of the country is and what it is when a politician does not face his own supporters and only answers questions written in advance, Péter Magyar wrote on social media on Saturday, as he announced that he will visit the same places as Viktor Orbán on the same days as the prime minister tours the country.