Romanian far-right leader calls Orbán “leader of Europe”

At a major Central and Eastern European political and economic gathering in Poland, Romanian far-right politician George Simion described Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as not only Hungary’s leader but also the head of “Christian civilisation” and “all of Europe”.

Praise for Orbán, insults for Tusk

Simion, the leader of Romania’s nationalist Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), spoke at the 34th Economic Forum in Karpacz, an event often referred to as the “Davos of the East”. According to Adevarul, the three-day forum, held 2–4 September, brought together more than 6,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, business leaders, academics, and civil society representatives.

During a panel discussion, which also featured a representative of MOL Hungary, Simion declared:

“Orbán Viktor is not only the leader of the Hungarian people but also the leader of Christian civilisation and the whole of Europe. He is the one who preserves common sense, protects families, and creates security. Many Hungarians in Romania follow him because they know what is good for our continent.”

While praising Orbán, Simion sharply criticised his hosts. He branded Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk a “globalist mercenary” and “a puppet of the European Commission”, even calling him “Ursula von der Leyen and Berlin’s marionette”, Transtelex writes.

Attacking the EU’s Green Deal

Simion also used his speech to lash out at the EU’s climate policies. He described the Green Deal as “one of the greatest lies of our time”, accusing Romania’s government of shutting down coal mines at Brussels’ command, thereby threatening the country’s energy independence. He argued that climate policy had led to soaring energy costs, calling it a “crazy dream” that endangered both children’s future and Europe’s civilisation.

Political ties with Orbán

Ahead of Romania’s presidential election earlier this year, Orbán openly endorsed Simion, who went as far as to feature the Hungarian prime minister’s portrait on campaign leaflets, presenting himself as an ally of Hungarians in Transylvania.

Despite Orbán’s backing, Simion lost to pro-EU candidate Dan Nicușor in the second round of voting, Kontroll.hu recalls. Simion, however, has continued to position Orbán as a political role model.

Read also:

• Orbán praises far-right, anti-Hungarian Romanian presidential candidate, drawing criticism from Hungarian minority leader
• Anti-Hungarian Simion’s warning: If Orbán fails, Europe becomes a dictatorship