Will the Orbán-Fico alliance crumble over Slovakia’s fresh assault on Hungarian rights?

Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s prime minister, desperately needs allies in the European Union. Yet Robert Fico, his Slovak counterpart, has just pulled a move that could leave hundreds of thousands of Orbán-loving Hungarians in Slovakia—those proud Felvidék folk—utterly stranded. Picture this: after the Second World War, Czechoslovakia’s leaders branded over a million local Hungarians as collectively guilty. They seized their homes, lands, and forests. And get this—even today, those decrepit decrees mean grandchildren and great-grandchildren are losing their plots, forests included. Even if they can’t speak a word of Hungarian anymore.

Seizing treasures based on 80-year-old scraps of paper

Local media reports paint a grim picture: lands and woods worth millions of euros snatched from Hungarians and non-Hungarians alike, all because their ancestors were lumped in as ‘guilty’ by post-war Czechoslovakia. These are the infamous Beneš Decrees, stamped with the name of Edvard Beneš, the future president. Over 80 years on, they still poison the legal codes of the now-separated Czech and Slovak states. Taboo topic? Absolutely—in both Prague and Bratislava, you can’t even whisper about scrapping them. Why? Because it would unleash a flood of claims from millions of former Germans and Hungarians demanding back their ancestors’ homes, properties, and treasures. At least, that’s the nightmare haunting Czech and Slovak politicians.

The real kicker? Slovakia’s State Land Fund thinks it’s fine to bulldoze ahead with housing estates or motorways by yanking land from descendants of those old Hungarian or German owners—without a penny in compensation—relying on dusty 80-year-old documents. Some weeks back, Progressive Slovakia, the biggest opposition party, spotlighted this absurdity in left-bank Komárno. They demanded the government slam the brakes on these seizures.

Six months in jail for questioning rights violations

Experts slam these ongoing land grabs as blatant human rights breaches—not just ethnic issues. But that didn’t stop Fico’s government from twisting it into a rabid nationalist crusade, framing the Beneš Decrees and seizures as a sacred Slovak destiny.

They rammed through a resolution on it recently. Worse, parliament decreed that challenging post-war Slovak settlements could land you six months behind bars. This catch-all law could jail historians, lawyers, politicians—or even everyday Slovak owners hit by the grabs.

Premiers Orbán and Fico in Esztergom
Orbán and Fico celebrating the building of the Mária Valéria bridge connecting Esztergom with Párkány (Sturovo). Photo: FB/Orbán

Hungary’s government stays oddly meek

You’d expect Hungary’s usually feisty government to roar in such a crisis. After all, their constitution (Article D) mandates protecting Hungarians beyond the borders. As Válasz Online notes, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó summoned Austria’s ambassador over blocked Hungarian football fans. But here? Crickets. He merely said he’d chatted with Slovak counterparts, who insisted it’s not aimed at Hungarians. Oh, and the Bem Quay team is ‘looking into it’.

Orbán himself has stayed silent. Experts reckon he needs Fico’s backing far more than vice versa—so don’t hold your breath for fireworks. Flashback to 2007: when Slovakia reaffirmed the Beneš Decrees, the Gyurcsány government (branded unpatriotic by Orbán) hauled in the Slovak ambassador.

Leader of Hungarian party in Slovakia fights back

Leader of the local Hungarian alliance, Magyar Szövetség, finds himself in a tight spot. He needs Budapest’s support to survive as a non-parliamentary party. But voters demand he blasts the latest parliamentary outrage.

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László Gubík seems ready to deliver. He’s sparred with Slovak cabinet ministers, branded the decision unacceptable multiple times, and yesterday rallied at an opposition protest—firing a shot across Budapest’s bows too:

“True Slovak-Hungarian friendship isn’t just about cosy state-to-state, EU, or economic ties (better than standard). It means taking Felvidék Hungarians’ legal status seriously. We’re not swallowing the smokescreen that everything’s fine. No—we know exactly what’s missing.”

A path to thaw the freeze?

Central Europe expert István Kollai, in his Válasz Online essay, sketches a way out. Escape Slovakia’s nationalist fog, and mutual gestures could heal it. Hungary could declare it won’t chase decades-old seized lands, homes, or assets for heirs. In return, Bratislava halts today’s confiscations.

Who knows? Maybe the day will dawn when Slovaks can apologise without shame for pre-Trianon and 1938-1944 Hungarian wrongs, and Hungarians for Czech/Slovak-era hurts since 1918-19.

In Europe’s heartland, smouldering national grudges lurk. EU membership, economic booms (where they exist), free movement, and more paper over them—for now. But they leave every state here ripe for meddlers to exploit.

9 Comments

  1. Fidesz silence in the face of Slovak trampling of Hungarian rights is no surprise. Fidesz will give instructions to the Hungarian media on what not to report and how to report anything connected to this. Fidesz only promotes the rights of Hungarians outside of Hungary when it suits them as a form of identity politics to portray themselves as “patriots”. They are not patriots but they are hypocrites of the worst kind. Fico could start jailing them and Orban would not lift a finger as long as they are together on Team Putin.

    • “Fidesz silence in the face of Slovak trampling of Hungarian rights is no surprise..”

      That’s is because they, The Orbán Administration, Dear Larry, know that this has nothing to do with actual modern Slovakian-Hungarian relations, but, rather, is an attempt by CIA-MI6, with other NGOs of The Western Elite, to create more trouble for Hungary.

      They, The Western Elite, realize that their regime-change in Hungary is not working out well, and that Magyar is increasingly unlikely to win.

      So, some other tactic must be used – like stirring up old problems between neighbours.

      Moreover, the growing ‘Confederate-EU’ bloc will be facing every kind of vile mischief, this as Bruxelles feels it’s grip on Europe’s future waning.

      Fico and Orbán see through this, even if their Intelligence chiefs had not yet informed them to the fact.

      You can be sure, however, that László Kövér is all over this like white on rice.

      • As soon as someone starts talking about “CIA MI6” conspiracy theories you know they are from the Kremlin. You got in Brussels and Western Elites too. Why did you leave out George Soros? Isn’t he and his Soros Network also involved? Get with it.

        • I guess that what you are saying, Dear Larry, is that no one in Dixie could have any idea who the main elements behind these tragedies and skullduggery are.

          In that sense you have shown yourself to be a real American Yankee – because Yankees often do have a hard time thinking that there might be someone else on the planet earth, particularly in The South, who might actually know something and be able to articulate that.

          As to ‘The Soros Network, I did not leave it out.

          I use the term ‘Western Elite’, as a polite way to describe him and his kind.

          But, in fairness to Svarc György : he, and everyone of his NGOs, could fall off the face of the earth … and there STILL would be a formidable and diabolic Western Elite trying to destroy White Gentile Nations!

          • Oh my God Mouton!

            Same tactics, didnt I suggested for you to update yourself???

            While Gentile nations!!!!!!!! 😂

          • Human beings are interesting. Some of them can be persuaded to suspend the centers of logic in their brain and believe anything someone tells them as a conspiracy theory while completely ignoring the facts in front of them. Posters such as Mouton are malicious actors who seek to influence sheep to promote the interests of Russia and Fidesz Brody Janos wrote Birkaorszag in 2016.
            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htSH8misFn4

      • You forgot to mention “Soros!”. Good to see you managed to wangle those “Western Elites!” in, though.

        Regardless, with the “might is right” philosophy of our Politicians, and their position that, to achieve peace, rights and entitlements will need to be relinquished (see their position on Ukraine), you would think they of all people would understand?

        Nothing to do with “CIA”, “MI6” or furry creatures from Mars.

        • i do so wish, My Dear Norbert, that this event was arisen solely out of an organic traditional emnity, but, it never is.

          No, these gardens of neighbourly hatreds are always ’tilled’ by a vast array of multinational forces working for the Western Elite.

          The war for the next EU has begun in earnest, and at it’s core is the Visegrad Bloc that they will try to obliterate from within.

          Merry Xmas!

          • “Western Elites” – explained:

            1. Strategic Framing and Legitimacy

            The narrative of “Western elites” serves a dual purpose for the Russian state: domestic consolidation and international differentiation.

            Sovereignty vs. Globalism: Russian leadership frequently frames the conflict not as Russia versus the Western public, but as Russia versus a specific, detached “globalist elite.” This distinction allows Moscow to claim it is defending traditional sovereignty against a transnational class that seeks to erode national borders and cultures.

            The “Golden Billion”: A recurring concept in Russian discourse is the “Golden Billion” theory. This posits that Western elites are hoarding resources and rigging the global economic system to benefit only a select population in developed nations at the expense of the rest of the world (the “Global Majority”).

            Deflecting Domestic Criticism: By blaming external “elites” for economic sanctions or geopolitical isolation, the Kremlin shifts responsibility away from its own policy decisions. Hardships are framed as the result of a vindictive foreign cabal rather than internal governance.

            2. Cultural and Moral Dichotomy

            The “Western elite” is often characterized not just politically, but morally and culturally, creating a stark “us vs. them” dynamic.

            Values Gap: Western leadership is often depicted as morally decadent, having abandoned traditional family values and religious roots in favor of “ultra-liberal” ideologies. This narrative suggests that these elites are out of touch with their own conservative populations.

            The Imposition of Norms: A key talking point is that these elites aggressively export their cultural norms (such as LGBTQ+ rights or specific interpretations of democracy) to countries that do not want them. Russia positions itself as the “guardian” of traditional values against this perceived cultural imperialism.

            Cancel Culture as a Weapon: Russian discourse frequently argues that Western elites use “cancel culture” not just against individuals, but against entire nations and cultures (e.g., banning Russian athletes or artists), framing this as evidence of deep-seated Russophobia among the ruling class.

            3. Targeting the “Global Majority”

            The rhetoric is specifically calibrated to resonate with audiences outside of the West—in the Global South (Africa, Latin America, Asia)—and disaffected populations within Western countries.

            Anti-Colonial Resonance: By framing Western elites as “neocolonialists,” Russia taps into historical grievances in Africa and Latin America. The argument is that the same powers that colonized these regions are now using financial and political tools to maintain hegemony.

            Appeal to Western Populists: This narrative often aligns with populist movements within the US and Europe. By distinguishing between “the people” and “the elites,” Russian messaging finds common ground with Western voters who feel disenfranchised by their own governments, effectively driving a wedge into Western societal cohesion.

            Hypocrisy Allegations: A central theme is the “rules-based order” vs. international law. Russia argues that Western elites invented the “rules-based order” to bypass international law (like the UN Charter) whenever it suits their interests (e.g., Iraq, Libya), while punishing others for perceived violations.

            4. Economic Warfare and Decoupling

            The discourse extends into the economic realm, framing sanctions and financial exclusion as tools of elite control.

            Weaponization of the Dollar: Russian officials argue that Western financial elites have weaponized the US dollar and the SWIFT system. This point is used to encourage other nations (particularly BRICS members) to de-dollarize and create alternative financial infrastructures immune to Western influence.

            Theft of Assets: The freezing or seizure of Russian sovereign assets abroad is framed as “piracy” by Western elites, undermining the sanctity of private property and sovereign immunity—a warning to other nations that their assets are not safe in Western jurisdictions.

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