Orbán Votes Against Ukraine's EU Accession in Nationwide Referendum

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has publicly voted against Ukraine’s accession to the European Union in a national referendum, emphasizing that such a move would harm Hungary’s economy, agriculture, jobs, and sovereignty. Orban criticized both the EU leadership in Brussels and Hungary’s opposition Tisza party for supporting Ukraine’s EU bid, which he claims poses significant risks to the country. He has been widely regarded as the most pro-Russian leader in the EU, having previously blocked or delayed EU aid packages for Ukraine during the ongoing war. Despite the government’s opposition, recent polls indicate that a majority of Hungarian citizens support Ukraine's accession to the EU, with surveys from the Magyar Tisza party and the Republikon Institute both showing a narrow majority in favor. Orban insists that Hungary’s fate should be determined solely by Hungarians, urging citizens to participate in the referendum. The vote highlights a deep divide between the government’s stance and public opinion regarding Ukraine’s European future.