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Insider bombshell from Hungary’s military: Defence Forces officer on morale collapse and mass exits
In a rare and highly critical public appearance, Captain Szilveszter Pálinkás, an officer in the Hungarian Defence Forces, has given a lengthy video interview in which he paints a bleak picture of the military’s current state.
Hungarian Defence Forces officer speaks about the armed forces’ situation
Speaking openly and under his own name for the first time, Pálinkás claims the Hungarian Defence Forces are experiencing an unprecedented moral low point, widespread dissatisfaction among personnel and a growing desire to leave service.
He previously served as the face of the army’s national recruitment campaign, and he chose to speak out because, he thinks Hungarian citizens have a right to understand the reality of an institution funded by taxpayers. His decision to give the interview without prior approval is likely to result in disciplinary action and may ultimately end his military career.
From model soldier to outspoken critic
Pálinkás joined the military in 2017 and served in the elite Special Operations Brigade in Szolnok. Over time, he undertook advanced training, including international courses, and built a promising career. His trajectory changed when he was personally selected to become the public face of a government-backed recruitment drive, working closely with the Ministry of Defence.
However, he later became increasingly uncomfortable with what he describes as a widening gap between the optimistic image presented in official communications and the reality experienced by soldiers. According to Pálinkás, many troops were already disillusioned, with large numbers preparing to leave the service. His attempt to resign last year was rejected, officially due to the ongoing “state of war danger,” leaving him effectively unable to exit the military despite his objections.
In case you missed it: Hungarian Defence Forces soldier shot down by the Russians laid to rest in Kyiv as Ukraine’s hero.
Strong opinion on leadership and reforms
At the heart of Pálinkás’s criticism lies the leadership of Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky. He argues that recent reforms have undermined both morale and professionalism, going so far as to claim that the current minister is the worst in the history of the Hungarian Defence Forces, who has “destroyed the military vocation” over the past four years.
Among the most contentious changes are alterations to soldiers’ legal status and compensation. Pálinkás highlighted the removal of overtime pay and allowances, which has significantly reduced incomes for many personnel. Additionally, new pay structures and the centralisation of decision-making power in the hands of commanders have, in his view, created uncertainty and opened the door to arbitrary treatment.
He also described deteriorating working conditions, including inadequate equipment and poor living environments in barracks, contrasting sharply with the polished image used in recruitment campaigns.
Have you heard? Hungary left out of NATO-linked military drills.
He warned of mass departures
One of the most striking claims in the interview is Pálinkás’s warning that Hungary’s defence capabilities could be severely weakened if current trends continue. He suggested that many soldiers are only remaining in service due to legal constraints tied to the emergency situation and may leave en masse once restrictions are lifted. According to him, this could result in a dramatic decline in operational readiness, raising serious concerns about the country’s long-term defence capacity.
Controversial issues: “50% casualty rate” calculated by Orbán’s son
The captain also addressed Hungary’s position within NATO, alleging that the country’s political messaging—particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine—has created unease among allies. He claimed that Hungarian soldiers have faced questions from other NATO members about where Hungary’s loyalties lie.
In addition, Pálinkás made controversial remarks about a proposed Hungarian military mission in Chad, which he associates with Gáspár Orbán, the prime minister’s son.
He said that the son of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán personally told him how he came up with the idea of the mission in the African country, and he did not keep it a secret that he calculated a 50% casualty rate, which Pálinkás strongly disagreed with, due to the idea lacking clear national, or any kind of interest.
A deeply divided institution
Beyond specific policies, Pálinkás portrayed a military increasingly affected by internal divisions, political tensions, and declining trust in leadership. He criticised what he sees as the politicisation of the armed forces, arguing that soldiers should remain neutral and not be drawn into partisan conflicts. Despite the severity of his claims, Pálinkás expressed hope, suggesting many within the Hungarian Defence Forces want a change of political scenery.
Left or Right, it does not matter. I always have the highest respect for those, in any line of work, who endanger the pleasantries of their daily routine to let us know about what is really going on.
That is why I always try to be polite – so that others feel that they can tell me what they are seeing.
Each one of us has a contribution to make in creating a Western Civilization wherein people feel able to share their unique perspective.
Mouton, you lose all credibility of impartiality when your avatar is the 2nd most recognizable symbol of hate behind the swastika. The only history behind the Confederate flag is hatred, unbridled and visceral hatred.
“….declining trust in leadership.”
What this defense forces officer is describing is a total disaster situation for the security of Hungarian nation. And it is because of Fidesz ruling. The lies and propaganda that governing Fidesz authorities make military personnel swallow and then force military personnel to stay in service with threats of penalties, as described in the article.
It is even so shocking that our resident Russian propaganda account above cannot twist the message told in this article into an anti-West propaganda. Not even mentioning the usual line “this happens everywhere”, because it does not happen everywhere. Just in a country where nobody trusts the countrys leadership, not even those who swore to protect our country trust their own leaders and would happily leave the service if given the chance without severe penalties.
Luckily we are not living next to Russia as they could invade us in a heartbeat. Luckily Ukraine has been defending us from Russian occupation.
I love the last name of this soldier Palinkas. After an evening of drinking my father-in-law loved to greet us in the morning by saying “Palinkas jo reggelt”. The closer we get to this election the less I want to go on a partisan diatribe and let the chips fall where they will. What we post is not going to make any difference to any result and lets be real about the reach of this publication. I already made the comment before and I will say it again. There are people inside the system who don’t like what the government is doing and have kept silent. Many of them come out at the last minute and throw their hat into the ring.
Wow – it just continues to really “hit us in the face” – the “fingers in the pie” – want of Power & Control that has been the POSITION for near on (2) two decades = 20 years, over twice in that time, as Prime Minister of Hungary – Victor Mihaly. Orban.
“Our way or NO Way” – black & white in statement – but we know Victor Mihaly. Orban control of media, of the judiciary, rule by decree – we know, the WIN at all costs the IMPOSING of forceful POWER to gain CONTROL that is REMOVED of ALL legal processes – the elimination of those that stand in the way of the WANT of Power & Control that has been the “Creed” under Victor Mihaly. Orban and his Fidesz Government.
Power – Control at ALL costs – for the betterment, the “greasing of palms” – the pockets of the Victor Mihaly. Orban “inner sanctum” – his Family, his Fidesz Government and the OLIGARCHY.
Victor Mihaly. Orban which will be EXPLODED post April 12th when he is TROWN out of Office, his Fidesz Party, by the POWER of the Citizens of Hungary in casting his “to exit” vote – his DOWNFALL – it will be EXPOSED the deep rooted individual GREED conduct “in his being” of ME first, then my “close” comradeships internally in Hungary and “others” outside the borders of Hungary and the – leftovers, to the Citizens of Hungary.
Greed, Abuse, Dishonesty, and Exploitation by use of POWER, the want of Control – at ALL Costs undertaken by and with any means of achieving AVAILABLE.
Hungary = we have been FAILED.
Hungary = we with URGENCY need a “scenery” change and April 12 provides us with the OPPORTUNITY to let in “fresh” air – greater & brighter LIGHT into our lives, of Hope, of individual and family FUTURES, as a country Hungary for our FUTURE.
HUNGARY’S DEFENCE MINISTER IS A RUSSIAN AGENT WITH CLOSE TIES TO RUSSIA INCLUDING FINANCIAL INTEREST IN THE MANUFACTURE OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE RUSSIAN MILITARY. In 2019, Szalay-Bobrovniczky acquired a 50% stake in Transmashholding Hungary, a firm linked to Andrei Bokarev and Iskandar Makhmudov, Russian oligarchs who are major shareholders in Russian train manufacturer Transmashholding Transmashholding (TMH) has been identified by the U.S. Treasury as supplying components for Russian infantry combat vehicles. The Russian oligarchs linked to this firm have faced sanctions from the U.S., UK, and other nations. Szalay-Bobrovniczky IN 2023 PURGED THE HUNGARIAN ARMY OF OFFICERS CONSIDERED LOYAL TO THE WEST AND NATO. : Opposition politician Ágnes Vadai and other critics alleged that the dismissals specifically targeted officers with extensive international experience, NATO social contacts, and foreign language skills. She described the move as an attempt to “de-NATO-fize” the armed forces and replace professional leaders with those more personally loyal to the current (pro-Russian) government.