Hungarian Prime Minister "Mixed-race countries are not countries"... Controversy over far-right remarks

"Hungary Does Not Want to Become a Mixed Ethnic Nation"
"The More NATO Sends Weapons, the More Russia Expands the Frontline"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Viktor Orban, Prime Minister of Hungary, is facing criticism from the international community for making remarks on racial purity, which were controversial during the Nazi Germany regime, stating that a country composed of mixed ethnicities is not a country.

According to the British daily The Guardian on the 23rd (local time), during a speech given while visiting Romania, Prime Minister Orban said, "A country where Europeans and non-Europeans are mixed is no longer a country," and added, "Hungary is not a mixed ethnicity and does not want to become one," making far-right remarks. His comments evoke the German racial purity and racism promoted by the Nazi Germany regime, spreading controversy not only in Europe but also internationally.

Within Hungary, Prime Minister Orban's remarks have also been heavily criticized. Katalin Cseh, a member of the Hungarian opposition Momentum Party, criticized on her Twitter account, "His words remind us of a time we all want to forget. The true colors and nature of this regime have been revealed." She continued, addressing the mixed-ethnicity residents in Hungary, "You may have different skin colors and may have come from Europe or elsewhere. But you are part of us, and we are proud of you," emphasizing, "Diversity makes a country strong, not weak."

There was also a strong reaction in Romania. Alin Mitu?a, Romania's representative to the European Parliament, strongly criticized on his Twitter account, saying, "Discussing ethnic or racial purity in regions like Central and Eastern Europe, where various ethnicities are mixed, is delusional and extremely dangerous," adding, "Prime Minister Orban is no exception."

Despite these criticisms, Prime Minister Orban disregarded them and also criticized the West's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Orban stated, "The more the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) sends modernized weapons to Ukraine, the more Russia will expand the front," and added, "What we are doing is prolonging the war," making remarks that appeared to support Russia, sparking controversy.