Orbán praises far-right, anti-Hungarian Romanian presidential candidate, drawing criticism from Hungarian minority leader
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has stirred controversy by praising Romanian presidential candidate George Simion, leader of the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), during a speech in Tihany on Friday.
Speaking at the reopening of the Benedictine Abbey in Tihany, Orbán described the site as a spiritual centre of the Hungarian world. While commenting on European politics, he claimed that “the foundations of European life are under attack” and accused EU leaders of pushing Hungary toward a losing war, Telex writes.
He then unexpectedly turned to the Romanian presidential election, referencing a quote from Simion, who said: “Now is the time for a Europe of nations, a Christian Europe, in which we will fight for our right to be European citizens.” Orbán declared, “We fully agree,” adding that Hungarians and Romanians live in a historical community of fate and should support each other in defending Christianity and sovereignty.
Did Orbán endorse the anti-Hungarian Romanian politician?
Orbán emphasised that Hungary would not support any form of political isolation or sanctions against Romania or its leadership. His comments were widely interpreted as an endorsement of Simion, a figure known for his anti-Hungarian rhetoric and anti-minority stance.
The speech sparked backlash from Hunor Kelemen, president of the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ), who responded in a Facebook video: “Simion is not a friend of the Hungarians—and never will be.” Hunor recalled that Simion had danced on the graves of Hungarian ancestors in Úzvölgye and had filed hundreds of lawsuits against the use of the Hungarian language and national symbols in Romania. “Anyone who attacks the Székely flag, our schools, or our language is not one of us,” he said.
Following the backlash, Orbán spoke with Kelemen by phone, later posting that Hungary has no intention of interfering in the Romanian election. He emphasised that the Hungarian government considers the RMDSZ’s position decisive in national policy matters, and that the interests of Hungarians in Transylvania remain a priority. “We are working with Romania’s leaders to advance the life and survival of the ethnic Hungarian community of Transylvania,” Orbán said.
Simion, who secured over 40% of the vote in the first round of Romania’s presidential election, thanked Orbán for his message, saying, “Together, we will win this fight.”
Read more about Romanian-Hungarian relations HERE.
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