Former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán insisted that “we’re fine” as Fidesz sought to regroup after its heavy election defeat, unveiling a new strategy that frames the party as the leader of a nationwide “resistance” against what it calls Hungary’s new “authoritarian” political system.
Speaking outside Fidesz headquarters alongside the party’s newly elected parliamentary group leader János Bóka, Orbán accused the new government of dismantling the rule of law through constitutional amendments and pledged that Fidesz would fight back using “every peaceful means” available.
Fidesz forced outside after server seizure
The press conference was held outside the party’s headquarters after prosecutors reportedly seized Fidesz’s servers as part of the ongoing investigation into the National Cultural Fund (NKA) case. Orbán claimed the seizure left the party without internet access and unable to operate its internal systems.
“We did not expect to be holding this press conference under these circumstances,” he said.
He described the investigation as politically motivated, arguing that authorities had effectively paralysed the party by confiscating its communications infrastructure and membership database.
Orbán: Hungary is no longer a democracy
The former prime minister said Hungary had entered a fundamentally new political era following the latest constitutional amendment, comparing the situation to the final years of Hungary’s communist Kádár era. According to Orbán, the amendment unlawfully restricted who can stand in parliamentary elections, depriving voters of their democratic choice.
He also argued that the removal of former President Tamás Sulyok marked the collapse of constitutional checks and balances. Orbán claimed the current political system is “illegitimate” and declared that Sulyok was “the last legitimate President of the Republic”, quotes 24.hu. He added that Fidesz would not recognise public office holders appointed under the new constitutional framework.
Fidesz launches “resistance” campaign
Orbán said the party’s newly adopted “Declaration of Resistance” commits Fidesz to restoring Hungary’s democratic rule of law. While he declined to explain exactly how the party intends to organise its campaign, saying he would reveal more details during his upcoming speech at Tusványos, he stressed that all action would remain peaceful.
According to Orbán, Fidesz will continue participating in parliamentary work rather than boycotting the legislature. He also said the party does not intend to dictate the pace of opposition activity, describing Fidesz instead as a “service centre” supporting all Hungarians who oppose what he called political authoritarianism.
“We’re fine”
One of the most striking moments came when Orbán was asked whether Fidesz had been weakened following last week’s political setbacks and poor polling. His response quickly became the headline of the press conference.
“We did not support the creation of this system. We’re fine.”
Orbán argued that the real question is how long former Tisza Party voters will tolerate what he described as an increasingly authoritarian government. He predicted that resistance would gradually become a broad national movement rather than one based on party politics or ideology.
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Szijjártó’s new job praised
Orbán also defended former Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, who recently left Parliament to take up a senior position at Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD. He said he had fully supported Szijjártó’s decision.
“A very important role still awaits him in Hungarian public life. That won’t be tomorrow, but the day after tomorrow. It is also important that he is working in a place that holds enormous value and opportunities for Hungary.”
Bóka added that outstanding personnel issues within the parliamentary group would be settled before Parliament’s autumn session begins.
More on Orbán and Fidesz: Former prime minister says from now on, their mission is “to restore the democratic rule of law”
Private US trip
Responding to questions about his recent visit to the United States during the FIFA World Cup, Orbán insisted he had travelled privately and paid for the trip himself. He confirmed that he had held unofficial, non-public meetings while in the US but declined to reveal any details.
Joking about the cost of attending the tournament, Orbán remarked that he was glad the World Cup only takes place every four years because he could not afford it annually.
