The CPAC Hungary conference kicked off on Monday in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, representing the European version of the largest annual event for the far right in the United States. The conference, sponsored by the government-backed 'Center for Fundamental Rights', is taking place in the absence of independent media, raising concerns about press freedom in the country.
During the conference, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban delivered a fiery speech, committing to breaking the doors of progressives in Brussels if he is re-elected in the upcoming elections. Orban opened his speech by praising the victory of former U.S. President Donald Trump, asserting that his triumph has contributed to improving global conditions. Although Trump did not attend in person, he sent a supportive video message wishing Orban success in the elections, highlighting the importance of a fair and effective victory.
The conference saw significant changes in its guest list; while prominent figures from American politics were expected to attend, this was offset by the presence of Orban's far-right allies from Europe, such as Alice Weidel, a member of the German parliament from the Alternative for Germany party, Herbert Kickl from the Austrian Freedom Party, and Santiago Abascal, the leader of Spain's Vox party. Meanwhile, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis could not participate due to a suspected arson incident at a weapons factory intended for Ukraine.
This event rekindles the debate about the rise of the far right in Europe, which has seen increasing influence in various countries. Orban, through his analyses, shows that radical changes are happening on the global political stage, claiming that the center of these transformations is the United States, with Hungary being viewed as the advanced base for the right-wing movement in Europe.
Speaking about the European Union, Orban pointed out that European institutions are still considered bastions of progressive forces, even though most EU countries are currently governed by right-wing or center-right parties. He claimed that the primary goal of progressive forces is to remove nationalist and right-wing powers from governance, affirming that winning the upcoming elections is not just about protecting Hungary but also about dismantling the presence of the progressive movement in Brussels.
He also addressed social issues, noting that trends related to gender and identity have receded, and that Catholicism should be practiced proudly. Orban called for a reduction in immigration and considered tackling green economies an important step towards achieving national interests.
The significance of this shift cannot be overlooked in the Arab region, as it reflects a competition of traditional power, especially given the increasing number of countries prioritizing right-wing agendas in politics, particularly regarding identity and immigration issues. As European right-wing voices rise, fears are also growing in the Arab world regarding the negative impacts of these currents.
The debate about the role of immigrants and refugees in European countries has also become one of the main focal points, as right-wing governments hope to reduce these numbers or manage them in a way that ensures the security and interests of local citizens, raising questions about the Arab stance toward these transformations.
Overall, Orban's statements and the context of the conference underline the importance of developments related to the far right and their potential impact on the political landscape in Europe and around the globe.