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Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban launched a sharp attack on senior German and European Union leaders Monday, accusing them of driving what he called Brussels' "war preparations" and characterizing Europe as being controlled by a "German war troika."
Speaking at an event in Budapest, Orban singled out three German politicians for criticism: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and European People's Party President Manfred Weber. He described German politicians as the "biggest warmongers" and warned that continued policies could force future generations to bear the consequences.
"Europe is now run by a German war troika: the president of the Commission is a German woman. The German Chancellor, obviously. And the leader of the largest faction in the European Parliament, European People's Party President Weber, is also a German man," Orban said, alleging the three are "shaping Europe's war policy today."
The Hungarian leader demanded an end to what he termed war preparations, stating that otherwise "our grandchildren will have to pay the price." His remarks represent the latest escalation in Hungary's ongoing tension with EU institutions over foreign policy direction.
Orban's government has consistently broken with the EU's collective stance on major policy issues, including the bloc's approach to Ukraine and migration. Hungary has frequently opposed sanctions against Russia and military support for Ukraine, creating friction with other member states and EU leadership.
The European People's Party has maintained its position as the largest party in the European Parliament since 1999 and has held similar dominance in the European Council since 2002, making it the most influential political grouping in EU institutions.
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