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Op-ed – The Hungarian connection: How Moscow’s money captured Budapest
Hungary faces growing criticism for drifting away from EU principles. While Prime Minister Viktor Orbán defends national interests, the country’s close ties with Moscow and internal corruption raise questions about its future place in Europe.
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For decades, Hungary was seen as one of Europe’s post-communist success stories — a country that embraced democracy, modernization, and European values. But in recent years, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has led the nation down a very different path, one that mixes nationalism, economic control, and increasing political dependence on Moscow.
At first glance, Hungary looks stable. Budapest shines with modern buildings, new stadiums, and impressive highways. Much of this development was funded by the European Union, which provides billions of euros each year to support infrastructure, education, and innovation. But beneath the surface lies a growing concern — where is all the money going, and who truly benefits?
Critics say that EU funds have become a lifeline for a small group of businessmen closely tied to the ruling Fidesz party. Names like Lőrinc Mészáros and István Tiborcz, once unknown, are now symbols of a new elite class whose wealth grew rapidly thanks to state contracts. These businessmen win tenders for construction, energy, and public projects, often without competition.
One of the most controversial projects is the Paks II nuclear power plant, developed with Russia’s Rosatom. The deal, financed largely by a Russian loan, has raised eyebrows in Brussels for its lack of transparency. Critics fear that such projects increase Hungary’s energy dependence on Moscow at a time when most EU countries are trying to diversify away from Russian influence.
At the same time, Orbán’s government continues to receive discounted Russian gas and maintains a pragmatic relationship with the Kremlin. Supporters argue that this is about protecting national interests and keeping energy prices low. But opponents see it as a dangerous political trade-off — cheap gas in exchange for political alignment.
The truth that Hungary continues to prove is that every country that ties itself to economic and political dependence on Moscow is poorer than those who do not. The other truth is that all of these countries which tie themselves to Moscow tend to be the most corrupt. Nationalism is all that is left for the people but its’ not something that puts food on the table.
And I was imagining, that WESTERN multinationals are sucking money out of the nation.
And I was imagining, that WESTERN corporations strip-mined Hungary in the 91s.
And I was imagining, that WESTERN politicians want to get rid of MY representation in the EU because of my political opinion, and the representatives I elect.
And I was imagining, that WESTERN banks try to make my countrymen debt slaves.
And I was imagining, that the WESTERN powers destroyed my nation in 1920 and betrayed us 1956.
Hungary’s enemy is the West, and always was, since the Ottomans fell. Because THEY want us to become their slaves, not the Russians, Chinese, Iran, or whoever your owners want to bomb next. The West wants us dead.
No, Larry, we will never be your slaves! And I loath your kind, talking in this condescending tone, thinking I’m too stupid to realize, that YOU are our enemy, when YOUR proxy blew our refineries up on your nations’ command.
Mark, Well said! totally agree with this post. I think Larry works at the US Embassy. They seem to have an excessively large staff for a country the size of Hungary. Most of them doubtfully are their to issue visas and passports.
Again lots of pro-Russia / Anti-EU&Anti-West propaganda claims without one single source to back up any of these claims.
Fact is that EU (“WEST”) has significantly funded the development of our country for two decades, ever since EU membership. An “enemy” would not do that.
“Since joining the EU, Hungary has received a net total of €67.8 billion in funding—approximately HUF 21.6 trillion”
https://gki.hu/language/en/2025/05/08/without-eu-funds-hungarys-economy-would-struggle-to-stay-afloat/
The truth is Larry that Russia and its BRICS fellow members are thriving economically. Right now 2/3rds of the nations on the planet are or soon will be members of BRICS and most of those nations are thriving unlike we in the orbit of the worthless USD$ and the Euro and British £. They grew tired of being bullied by The American Hegemonic sanctions and tariffs of the bad Orange man and his warmongering neocons. Grow up Larry the facts say otherwise.
Oh! Our enemies, our wanna-be enslavers are criticizing us?!
Good.
Thanks for the compliment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onDtXd0_MQs&list=RDonDtXd0_MQs