Balázs Orbán gave an interview to the BBC.

Hungarian people love freedom, they want to decide for themselves how to live their lives, what their goals should be, and what rules to follow; it is also true from a historical point of view that "we Hungarians don't like being dictated to from outside" , said the political director of the prime minister on Friday in the BBC's HARDtalk program.

“Unfortunately, the current progressive liberal elite likes to tell other people how to live, what to think about the world order, or whatever. So it's a long fight, but we're still on our feet," stated Balázs Orbán when asked by the presenter whether Prime Minister Viktor Orbán could win the political war against the liberal elite.

In response to the presenter's suggestion that Hungary has received countless criticisms, especially because of its strategy regarding the war in Ukraine, Balázs Orbán stated,

"We have been a minority opinion for the past 2.5 years. I think we are on the good side of history". The prime minister's political director pointed out that it was clear from the beginning that Russia must take responsibility for violations of international law against Ukraine. Russia attacked Ukraine, that is beyond dispute, but the main question is "what to do, how to resolve the conflict".

European leaders and Western liberal leaders have been saying for the last 2.5 years to continue supporting the Ukrainians and not to take diplomatic steps, not to negotiate with Russia, just to continue supporting the war. "And what happened?" asked the politician, who also indicated that more than half a million people have died, Ukraine has lost more territory than before, the country is on the verge of economic collapse, and there is a daily risk of escalation.

"That's why I don't think the strategy of the West is reasonable and logical, and we Hungarians have criticized it from the beginning," stated Balázs Orbán, who added, "we have an alternative idea about this matter, and they want to silence us in the name of the so-called European unity us? I think the most important value in Europe is democracy and pluralism, where the voice of all member states must be heard," he added.

"Europe hears you," said the presenter, who said that the essence of Hungary's position is that Ukraine cannot win, but in the meantime they are blocking Europe's efforts to provide financial and military support to Ukraine. In response, Balázs Orbán announced that Hungary supports Ukraine in many ways: such as humanitarian aid and energy supply. Hungarian taxpayers provide money for the operation of the Ukrainian state.

When asked about the refusal of military assistance, Balázs Orbán emphasized, "we do not want to participate in the killing. I just don't want people killed for no reason. … Why not stop this? If those who do not agree with the mainstream politics of the West are portrayed as Putin's puppets, then intellectually all discussions immediately become meaningless," noted Balázs Orbán.

In response to questions concerning the economy, the prime minister's political director stated that we use oil that helps the Hungarian economy, this is a decision made based on the national interest, and we have every right to do so. "Whether the oil or gas comes from the West or from the East, it doesn't matter to us, because it's a practical question on our part," he said.

Balázs Orbán emphasized

"we don't want to give up our sovereignty. we want to decide for ourselves who we cooperate with in the field of energy policy".

"The Hungarian position is always based on Hungarian interests, and we do not care if we are criticized for this. We are ready to cooperate with our European partners in all fields, as long as it is based on equal legal grounds. We must do everything we can to achieve this, but at the same time we want to preserve our sovereignty in foreign policy. I think that in this new world order, more and more countries should do the same," the politician expressed his opinion.

"We will continue to protect the Hungarian people. Personally, I, the Prime Minister and all right-wing politicians will not let Hungary down in relation to illegal immigration, as has happened in many Western countries"

Balázs Orbán said in response to a question about the country's anti-immigration policy.

MTI

Featured image: Balázs Orbán/Facebook