In his annual address to the nation, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared his intention to persist in combatting civil organizations, hired journalists, judges, and politicians perceived as threats to his administration. He emphasized that this work is only half-finished, alluding to a broader political agenda against what he describes as the oppressive mechanisms originating from Brussels. Orbán's rhetoric positions the EU, and particularly its bureaucratic center in Brussels, as a more immediate threat to Hungary than Russia, despite ongoing tensions with the Kremlin.

Orbán's remarks come in the context of the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for April 12, where the Prime Minister faces uncertainty about his continued leadership after over a decade in power. With his party, Fidesz, traditionally seen as strong, the emergence of the opposition party Tisza, led by Péter Magyar, raises questions about the competitiveness and fairness of the elections. Current opinion polls indicate that Tisza is gaining traction and confidence among voters, challenging Fidesz's dominance.

As Orbán continues to frame his political narrative around the idea of defending Hungary from both external and internal threats, the implications for civil society and democratic processes in Hungary are significant. The situation highlights the tension between governmental authority and civil liberties, especially in the lead-up to a critical electoral moment that could shape the future of Hungarian governance and its relationship with the EU.