Orbán: Central Europe is Last Stronghold of Faith and Reason Amid Western Decline

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, speaking at a private gathering in Kötcse, declared that Central Europe—particularly Hungary—has become the final bastion of faith, reason, and civilizational coherence as Western Europe faces cultural decline and economic instability.
Orbán argued that Western nations, through mass immigration, welfare dependency, and the abandonment of Christian traditions, have entered a stage of deep fragmentation. He contrasted this with Hungary’s “national model” since 2010, which he said emphasizes work, family, and sovereignty. Among its features, he highlighted flat income tax, public work programs after short-term unemployment aid, family-based benefits, energy price controls, and tax exemptions for mothers of large families.
Warning of the eurozone’s possible collapse after 2028 without major reforms, Orbán described the EU as drifting toward fragmentation, risking its legacy as “a discouraging outcome of a noble experiment.” On global dynamics, he said the world is entering a multipolar era where powers such as Russia and China are gaining ground while Europe weakens. “Faith and reason still survive here,” he said of Central Europe.
The address came as opposition leader Péter Magyar of the Tisza Party accused Orbán of isolating Hungary from Europe, freezing EU funds, and manipulating public opinion through “national consultations.” Magyar pledged reforms, transparency, and a renewed EU partnership, portraying Orbán’s government as out of touch with ordinary citizens.
As Hungary nears the 2026 elections, voters face a sharp choice: Orbán’s vision of a Hungary safeguarding Europe’s Christian and cultural roots, or Magyar’s push for reintegration with Brussels and institutional change.