Verbal altercation between Viktor Orbán and Ursula von der Leyen in the European Parliament: foreign media comment on it

The verbal altercation between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in the European Parliament became another example of strained relations between Hungary and the leadership of the European Union. This mutual criticism emphasized not only deep political differences, but also the intensity of the struggle for political influence both in Europe itself and on the international arena. Orbán, known for his pursuit of nationalist ideas and close ties with Russia, has increasingly come out as an opponent of traditional European politics, promoting rhetoric that runs counter to the EU line. Von der Leyen, in turn, does not hesitate to use the podium to defend the EU’s positions, emphasizing unity, transparency and liberal values.

This dispute, which has flared up against the background of Orbán’s pro-Russian policies, as well as the fact that Hungary currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, not only reflects the personal animosity between the two politicians, but also emphasizes the broader processes in European politics. For Orbán, this conflict is an opportunity to consolidate his image as a defender of Hungary’s “sovereignty” from the “dictation of Brussels”, which is especially beneficial for him inside the country, where the controlled mass media create the image of a steadfast leader. At the same time, von der Leyen receives the support of pro-European forces, which strengthens her position in the EU.

It is important to note that this conflict goes beyond the personal ambitions of politicians: it symbolizes a deeper split in Europe between supporters of integration processes and nationalist movements that seek to return to the politics of “national interests” and the blocking of supranational structures. What do foreign media write about it?

De Standaard – Belgium. This brawl benefits both of its participants, the Brussels De Standaard concludes:

“Relations between von der Leyen and Orbán have been strained for a long time. In June, Orbán was the only one to vote against the second term of the German as head of the European Commission. … According to Orbán, the EU under the leadership of von der Leyen is pursuing a policy of war. This confrontation is in the hands of both . Through the controlled media, he can demonstrate that he continues to fight against the notorious “Brussels”. And von der Leyen knows that her position will bring her points in the ranks of the pro-European factions. 

La Repubblica – Italy. Orbán wants to destroy Europe from the inside, explains Rome’s La Repubblica:

“The head of the government of Hungary has turned into Putin’s henchman. … We, Europeans, often forget that the roots of the war in Ukraine go back to the demonstrations on the Maidan, over which blue pro-European flags were flying. But Putin did not forget about it. And in the person of Orban he has found a tool that allows him to turn Europe against itself. For years, Brussels has looked away and pretended not to see anything. However, yesterday’s clashes in the European Parliament show that there is finally an awareness of the asymmetric war that is being waged not only in Donbas, but also inside our own borders”.

Der Standard – Austria. Vienna’s Der Standard sees Orbán as a politician who wants to dismantle the European Union:

“The Prime Minister of Hungary is not a lost right-wing populist, who in his youth was still a liberal fighter for freedom – and fought with all his might for his country’s entry into NATO and the EU, that is, into the community of the countries of the free West. He has turned into a radical and convinced anti-European . His actions are not guided by tactical considerations. He has a mission of a strategic nature – he intends to split the open, liberal and diverse European Union. And here all means are good – even deception.”

Süddeutsche Zeitung – Germany. Von der Leyen’s sharp reaction does not bother Orbán too much, as the Munich-based Süddeutsche Zeitung suggests:

“He doesn’t care what the head of the European Commission thinks about him. … What his 26 EU colleagues think about him worries Orbán a little more. If they united, they would be able to significantly punish Hungary. But there is no agreement among the comrades … In any case, the most important date for Orbán this year is November 5. On this day, Orbán will not lose any opportunity to politically attach himself to Donald Trump , this in turn will strengthen Orban and all other right-wing populists in Europe. But if Trump loses, Orban will also lose.”

Economic newspaper – Чехия. Orbán’s position in the European arena is weakening, according to Prague’s Hospodářské noviny:

“He always managed to keep a fine line and not anger his most important allies, namely Germany. He secured his support through cooperation with the German automobile and military industries. German entrepreneurs are now criticizing the fact that they are being squeezed out of various industries in Hungary by local oligarchs . . . More recently, the German ambassador in Budapest, contrary to diplomatic ethics, sharply criticized Orbán in his speech dedicated to the German Unification Day. Gone are the days when Orbán could count on the support of Chancellor Angela Merkel in his disputes at the European level.”

hvg – Hungary. In Strasbourg, the leader of the Hungarian opposition Peter Magyar also expressed sharp criticism of Orbán. Hungarian politicians should not use the European Parliament as a platform for internal political debates, notes the Budapest weekly hvg:

“Hand in hand with other Hungarian politicians, Orbán brought shame on us all. … Hungarian politicians went to Strasbourg because Viktor Orbán thought it would benefit his popularity. … And other Hungarian [opposition] politicians willingly joined , in order to benefit from the background of what is happening – to interrogate with passion, instruct, expose, give in – and destroy.”