US-Hungary relations at new low: Dialogue with Hungary not efficient, US will act – UPDATED
US Ambassador David Pressman delivered a long speech on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Hungary’s accession to NATO. He underlined multiple times that the United States is for dialogue and cooperation; however, this often doesn’t work with the current Hungarian government. In times like this, he said, the United States acts because that’s all the Orbán cabinet understands. Judging by his speech, it is clear that the two governments have reached a point again where dialogue is no longer enough.
“The United States cares about Hungary, we care about Hungarians, we admire and are in awe of your culture and history, and we want a close relationship. We’re not really asking for much: transparency, dialogue, nonpartisanship, and commitment to democracy would suffice,” David Pressman, US Ambassador to Hungary, said on Thursday in Budapest on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Hungary’s accession to NATO.
25th anniversary of Hungary’s accession to NATO
The venue was symbolic: it was the former CEU building on Nádori Street in Budapest. Pressman reminded the audience that the university had been forced to move its headquarters to Vienna because of measures taken by Viktor Orbán’s government in connection with opening to the East.
In his speech, the Ambassador recalled that the Hungarian Prime Minister interpreted NATO accession as a correction of a historical injustice and stressed the country’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Pressman contrasted this with the problematic policy decisions taken by the current Hungarian government, such as its hostile rhetoric towards the United States, its seizure of the media, corruption and its attempts to dismantle the rule of law.
The Ambassador stressed that the United States will continue to seek dialogue with Hungary, but will not accept behaviour that is contrary to democratic values and the principles of NATO. As an example, he cited that they were forced to restrict access to ESTA for Hungarian citizens because the Hungarian government refused to address security concerns raised by the US side, 24.hu writes.
Close ties with Moscow, peace plan based on fantasy
Pressman also pointed out that the United States and its allies are concerned about the Hungarian government’s close ties with Moscow. He remarked that instead of playing a prominent role in supporting Ukraine, the Orbán cabinet is representing Russian interests and creating tensions within NATO. The ambassador also criticised the Hungarian peace plan:
“Does Hungary truly believe that if our partners and allies stop our military support for Ukraine as it fights on its own territory for its very survival, Russia would then come to the negotiating table? Or would Russia do what it has done elsewhere and seize more of their land, pillage more of their property, deprive more of their people of freedom, kidnap more of their children? The Hungarian policy is based on a fantasy that disarming Ukraine will stop Putin. History shows it would do the reverse. It is not a proposal for peace; it is capitulation.”
Accusing others of interfering in internal offers – Hungary does just that
The ambassador also recalled that Hungary regularly accuses Western countries of trying to interfere in its internal affairs, but Pressman said it is the other way around. This is illustrated by the fact that Viktor Orbán recently visited the US, where he did not meet with members of the US government, but did meet with Donald Trump, the challenger to US President Joe Biden. Moreover, Orbán openly supports Trump in the presidential election, while it is up to the American people to decide on the US president, Pressman noted.
Three steps are needed for the future, Pressman underlined. First, the Hungarian government must decide whether it wants to improve its relations with the United States. Second, security concerns must be taken seriously and not used for political ends. Third, the US will continue to be pragmatic in its relations with Hungary, urging that the political mandate for fruitful discussions be in place.
“How we speak about each other matters. There is room to criticize – no government is perfect, including my own. The United States’ great strength has been our readiness to confront our shortcomings and debate them openly. While the Hungarian government’s wild rhetoric in state-controlled media may incite passion, or ignite an electoral base, the choice to issue, on a daily basis, dangerously unhinged anti-American messaging is a policy choice, and it risks changing Hungary’s relationship with America,” Pressman said.
UPDATE: Hungary ‘regards US with great respect’, says official
Hungary regards the United States with great respect and has always done so, Tamas Menczer, the state secretary for bilateral relations, said on Facebook in connection with a speech delivered on Thursday by David Pressman, the US ambassador to Hungary. “But today’s speech was not worthy of an ambassador; it was rather a speech of a left-wing political activist,” Menczer said. Pressman gave a speech in Budapest entitled “On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Hungary’s accession to the NATO Alliance”.
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15 Comments
Bravo. Great speech by Pressman. Unfortunately Orban and his mafia regime are incapable of reform. It is a kleptocratic free-for-all they are engaged in with direction from their similarly kleptocratic Russian allies.
So much true this speech. Thso government says one thing, burbin reality do the opposite what they just said. But in the end, i do not see an end to this situation. Its on the hands of Hungarian to remove the corrupted government you have
The biggest lie of the socialist democrat government is that President Biden likes Hungarians and Hungary.
1. It is the right of the Hungarian people to elect their government. With dozens of foreign observes of the last election, the antagonistic west could not find irregularities.
2. The Orban government never ceased or persecuted the press or reporters unlike in Ukraine. There is free press in Hungary.
3. Hungary is a true democracy, if situations drastically change, the government issues referendums to consult the wishes of the population and acts accordingly.
4. Yes Hungary co-operates and trades with Russia. Thanks to this trade no Hungarian senior died in the winter like in Germany in 2022-2023 because of inadequate energy supply. It is easy to write sanctions banning energy from Russia when counties like US have ample energy supply. Hungary has none.
5. All uranium used in the US comes from Russia. Sanctions always omit America’s needs.
6. Media like in the US is privately owned. In US media, the editorial supports the owners’ views. Bezos is democrat supporter, WAPO is a democrat supporting paper, Mr. Murdoch is conservative; therefore, FOX supports conservative views.
7. Socialist supporting media went bankrupt in Hungary because people were tired of lies and would not buy the paper and not because of government interference.
8. PM Orban and President Trump’s relation is friendly. One friend visiting another cannot be considered interference. Not everyone visiting the US meet with government officials on a short hop.
9. Austria is also neutral in Ukraine/Russia war, why is there no criticism of Austria.
10. One wonders why the US pay so much attention to a small country thousands of miles away with a population of less than 10 million. What happens in Hungary has absolutely no bearing on the welfare of the American people.
11. The great American people deserve to be told the truth; Pressman’s bias is shown in every one of his statements. Neither Pressman or President Biden like Hungary or the Hungarian people. The hope is that thing will change in the November Election.
Not everything is perfect in Hungary, there is always room for improvement. The Christian Conservative Government is working on eliminating the problems and make life easier for its population.
Maria Speaks! A bigger list of lies and half truths has never been printed! Good job Maria, for bringing to light the fantasy that you and your MAGA friends live in!
Hungary is not dancing to the globalist-socialist tune so must be beaten down. The Euros have been at it for years but its bullying bore no fruit; now it’s America’s turn. Bring it on, Pressboy!
This speech by Pressman was not a “Suttle” reminder to the Orban “clan” – that your relationship with the United States of America is “stretched”.
Pressman was in FACT giving the Orban “clan” a Final Warning.
Democracy is Dialogue, and throughout Pressman’s speech, the word Democracy dominated the message – the tone of his “Final Warning” to the Orban “clan”.
Come to the table, lets have Dialogue – clearly expressed by Pressman, but come to the table, on the condition Victor Mihaly. Orban – you are in agreement to speak “toned” as a believer and EMBRACE Democracy.
Pressman rightly referred to examples of Hungary’s memberships that are RULED under Democracy, and that the Orban “clan” had – still are not playing by the rules.
ALL know in FACT – this is the Orban conflict, that he and Hungary will LOOSE, with the European Union.
Orban fails to practice membership by Rule of Law – the COMPLIANCE to be a Member country, that Hungary has been found GUILTY of not practicing.
In all probability sooner than later decisions that the United States have to and will make in regards to Hungary, will be somewhat of a “Simple” process.
The United States continues communicates it’s position under Democracy, it’s recommendations and invitations to “calm the storm” with Hungary, and if it all falls on “deaf ears” and Orban and his “clan” continue on deepening relationships with Russia & China – not embracing memberships conducted under Democracy, the cards will ALL fall over and the United States of America, without a large cataclysmic Political “attack” on Hungary will just take ACTIONS.
That is on a Knife Edge – which the Final Warning, presented by Pressman came out was made transparent to Orban and his “clan”.
The mounting PRESSURIZATION personally and Politically on Victor Mihaly Orban what will his next move be ?
Link to the full speech, which is always preferable to the TLDR:
https://hu.usembassy.gov/news-speech-by-ambassador-pressman-on-the-25th-anniversary-of-hungarys-accession-to-nato/
Now for two more speeches – one by Ronald Reagan:
https://youtu.be/iR33JsDL13M?si=bCdM8Y0v_4mcp7R2
And one from our Mr. Orbán – a younger, less cynical, “end justifies the means” version of his current persona:
https://2010-2015.miniszterelnok.hu/in_english_article/speech_at_the_inauguration_of_ronald_reagan_s_statue
I will let you draw your own conclusions.
Meanwhile an Anglo conservative advisor employed by the Danube Inst linked to intelligence services (allegedly, like boss O’Sullivan), Koch’s Heritage, Murdoch-Fox’s Tony Abbott and Trump, offers his insight while running protection for Trump et al via political interference in a foreign nation?
‘@MarkHiggie1 11 Mar
We can be certain of one thing. If @realDonaldTrump returns to the White House, US-Hungary relations would suddenly be very warm indeed. Not sure if @USAmbHungary Pressman would be the right person to shepherd in that change.’
https://x.com/MarkHiggie1/status/1767178998189064289?s=20
To an earlier comment, more reputable sources say that at most 12% of uranium used in the US has been coming from Russia. Certainly not 100%, as was claimed.
Location says it all CEU -Soros is the biggest funder of the left in the US along with many in the EU. Imajine the US and is destroying the country through its legal system. The war in Ukraine was started by the US and is responsible for its on going disaster. Imajine the highest official n the US state dept was passing out cookies as they took over the goverment of the twice elected leader, while yelling democracy.
The guy cooperated with Russia. Everything in the west is blamed on Russia including the election of trump with years and millions in federal hearings to find nothing. The big threat to the west is from with in. The US big money is tied to China , communist China CCP. When it becomes the biggest power in the world your all F—- Russia and Hungary are bit players in the big picture. The Russian people were liberated at the same time as Eastern Europe and is no longer a communist country- get over it and they have done as well for the people of Russia and Putin is responsible for the change in just 24 years. I would love to hear Biden regime officially call out the Chinese leader. Obran ard Hungary are called out by these Marxist that are the left. You would think people here would get it. Ukraine will not have elections because they know what will happen. The Biden regime refuses to support secure elections when there is thousands of documents that show massive fraud but the goverment has done everything to silence any question. Almost the pop of Hungary has enter the country and no ID is required to vote. Thousand enter everyday all expenses paid , but the US is putting visa restrictions on Hungarians.
This place of Demolition or Capitulation, that Victor Mihaly. Orban has delivered Hungary to, through amongst MANY reason(s) his planed practiced implemented and followed through, at ALL cost(s) – “idiotic” agenda, – his “creed” to “enforce” the Distillation of Democracy in Hungary, in his name, he see’s MASSIVE pressurization of gargantuan “weight” being rightly “aimed” at him.
The United States of America, the 2020 Presidential Elections – he “MINGLED” in Political affairs in America, in his “mouthing off” Globally – his support for a Donald J. Trump return to office.
Orban knew when the “infamous” 45th elected President of the United States of America, lost through a DEMOCRATICALLY conducted election process, that the in-coming President – J. R. Biden Jr, the 46th elected President from the Democratic Party, the Hungarian Prime Minister – Victor Mihaly Orban, he knew that massive relationship problems would be faced.
Orban has NEVER “heeded” to step back, in his mingling in affairs of Politics with the United States of America – dangerously and Politically – it rightfully has HUMILIATED him – the Wrongfulness of his actions.
In conclusion to my commentary I ask ALL – of the 27 member country’s – the Family of European Country’s of the European Union, the “Creed” of membership being DEMOCRACY – do any of the “other” 26 European Union Country Members, do any of them wish RID off – FRIENDSHIP in some form or “other” with the United States of America ???
Do any of the “other” 26 Member country’s – wish to make the United States of America, in friendship a thing of the past, without there FRIENDSHIP ?
Answer – NO.
This mantle belongs to Victor Mihaly. Orban – who will pay, is PAYING – which sadly as will Hungary for the WRONGS of his Political Philosophies and Ideas – his “warped” Political Ideology and Dogma, that has delivered us – Hungary to a place, the nadir of of our PROBLEMS across the entire Economy of Hungary, that it’s bottom, remains a deep black un-know SPACE.
What has Victor Mihaly. Orban dealt upon us – 9.6 million of us – Hungarians ???
Answer – cataclysmic Destruction.
We as a country no longer a DEMOCRACY – we have been SMASHED.
Hungary – our HOPE is that it has to HAPPEN in Solidarity the accept – the understanding of Hungarians from whatever “station in life” we come – that the SOLVING of our humongous PROBLEMS as a country, can’t be – allowed permitted to be, by that of the MENTALITY that CREATED them.
Hungary – we have been FAILED.
Pressman is insufficient. Period.
@TM – now for facts and data … There was Russian election interference as well as collusion:
https://www.justice.gov/storage/report_volume2.pdf
If this is TLDR – then:
https://www.acslaw.org/projects/the-presidential-investigation-education-project/other-resources/key-findings-of-the-mueller-report/
Russia invaded Ukraine – which makes them the aggressor. Whichever way you want to spin things.
Regarding voter fraud … Really ??? With lots of sources:
https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL1N2XP2AI/
Voter machine claims – Newsmax and Fox News shut down anyone who even tries to insinuate this.
Personally, I always look forward to “MyPillow” Mike Lindell´s next big revelation. Never materializes – but hey, there is always hope!
Maria Speaks! says and all of my critics: Pray tell, what do you disagree with?
1. Where is your proof that the US likes Hungary or even cares about the country. While the Gyurcsany regime ruined the country both US and EU loved the country and remained quiet. Gyurcsany ceded sovereignty and gave away the country’s wealth. US also was in favor of the Hungarian rebellion; they could use that for propaganda against the Soviet Union.
2. Ukraine does not have opposition media, Zelensky eliminated it. People that can read Hungarian news are amazed all criticisms printed. There is freedom of media in Hungary otherwise, most of your comments would have been censored. Trudeau of Canada now wants to jail people for life for misspoken comments, e.g. “anti LGBT+ comments”.
3. Does the Orban Government not issue referendums?
4. Do you not agree that there was adequate supply of energy in 2022-2023 because of Russia/Hungary trade agreement? Many German seniors died because of lack of energy, that is true. The trade agreement benefited Hungarians.
5. New York Times
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/14/climate/enriched-uranium-nucle…
The U.S. Is Paying Billions to Russia’s Nuclear Agency. Here’s Why.
Web ResultJun 14, 2023 · Brian Kaiser for The New York Times. Roughly a third of enriched uranium used in the United States is now imported from Russia, the world’s …
Visual Capitalist
https://www.visualcapitalist.com/how-much-does-the-u-s-depend-o…
How Much Does the U.S. Depend on Russian Uranium? – Visual …
Web Result20 hours ago · Similarly, nearly a dozen countries around the world depend on Russia for more than half of their enriched uranium—and many of them are NATO-allied members and allies of Ukraine. In 2023 alone, the U.S. nuclear industry paid over …
-I could not find the article where I read about uranium supply, I will agree that your data is valid.
6. You cannot disagree with the media ownership in the US, it is accurate.
7. Hungarian socialist media went bankrupt because there was no reader support. Toward the end, the socialist papers try to use capitalist methods by offering perks for signing up for subscription. No media is owned by the Hungarian Government. Media owners that support this government actually believe that it is the right thing to do and believe in the Orban regime.
8. President Trump and PM Orban both support a populous conservative type of government. That makes the two leaders allies. Friendly relations are normal between two allies, visits are not interference. Populists support the people of a nation. Usually, the wishes of the middle class and the sector of blue color workers are ignored by the elite socialist. That was the reason for President Trump’s win as well as PM Orban’s. Socialist, especially in small countries are willing to sacrifice their country national interest for respect by clubs, e.g. EU and NATO and globalists, e.g. Soros.
9. Check the net, Austria is neutral.
10. As far as the US and Biden administration is concerned, there is animosity. The US cannot tolerate a small country prefers not to get involved in a proxy war or cede control of its economy to the globalists of the US. Now, that is a mortal sin. However, Hungarians elected PM Orban to keep Hungary out of all wars and keep Hungary for Hungarians.
11. History has proven Hungary is only useful for the US when it can be used either to further enrich the American elite or for propaganda reasons.
I find that few male commentators have the attitude the glass is half empty and not half full. You all seem to have lost hope. My opinions are based on facts and if I make a mistake, I am willing to say I was wrong. Most of you are positively depressing because you have lost all hope and the ability to appreciate reality.
Today, Sullvian continued the lie about Hungary not being a democracy. Boy, is he misguided. PM. Orban is elected because the people of Hungary like his policies.
President Biden will be defeated because he impoverished the American people and jeopardized their safety.
The good thing is Sullivan will be out of a job. He will not have to lie anymore and go to confession..