Hungarian PM Orbán Criticizes Brussels: "A Power Center, Not a Coordinating Body"

Budapest, Hungary – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has voiced strong criticism regarding the current state of Brussels and the European Union, asserting that the institution has deviated from its original purpose. In a recent statement, Orbán described Brussels as a "strange creature" that was "born healthy" but subsequently "deformed" and "developed in the wrong direction." According to Orbán, the initial idea behind the European Union was for European states to cooperate, ensuring peace and prosperity across the continent by preventing conflicts. He characterized this founding principle as "fantastic," envisioning a secure continent where citizens could move, trade, and invest freely, leading to well-being and development. However, Orbán contended that the "Brussels bureaucracy" has since grown significantly, transforming the institution. He stated that Brussels is no longer merely a "coordinating center" for the work of member states, but has instead become a "power center" that has "taken on a life of its own," likening it to a "true Frankenstein." This critique underscores a broader sentiment within his political discourse regarding the balance of power between national governments and EU institutions.