In a significant political development, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has announced the formation of a new alliance in the European Parliament. Dubbed the “Patriots for Europe,” this alliance brings together Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party, Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPO), and the populist Czech ANO party led by Andrej Babis.
Orban introduced the alliance at a joint news conference alongside FPO leader Herbert Kickl and ANO’s Andrej Babis, emphasizing the alliance’s aim to reshape European politics. “We take on the responsibility to launch this new platform and new faction. I want to make it clear that this is our goal,” Orban stated. The leaders signed a “patriotic manifesto” promising “peace, security, and development” as an alternative to what they described as “war, migration, and stagnation” from the “Brussels elite.”
To gain official recognition as a political group in the European Parliament, the “Patriots for Europe” must secure support from parties in at least seven EU member states, or about a quarter of the EU’s 27 nations. This requirement ensures that the group represents a diverse set of countries within the union.
The announcement coincides with Hungary assuming the rotating six-month EU presidency, a position that allows the country to influence the EU agenda despite its limited formal power. Orban’s presidency motto, “Make Europe Great Again,” has raised concerns among European politicians due to its similarity to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s slogan.
This new political faction emerges amid Hungary’s ongoing contentious relationship with the EU. In recent years, Hungary has often blocked or delayed EU decisions on issues such as the conflict in Ukraine and relations with Russia and China. Orban’s government has faced accusations of undermining democratic institutions, leading to calls within the EU Parliament to reconsider Hungary’s role in the bloc’s presidency.
The “Patriots for Europe” alliance reflects the growing influence of nationalist and populist parties in European politics, particularly after their recent electoral successes. In the latest European Parliament elections, nationalist parties capitalized on public concerns over rising prices, migration, and the economic impacts of environmental policies.
The FPO, part of the Identity and Democracy group which includes France’s National Rally and Italy’s League, has seen a surge in support ahead of Austria’s parliamentary elections. Meanwhile, the ANO party, having recently left the centrist Renew Europe group, joins the alliance without current affiliation to a European political group.
As the “Patriots for Europe” seeks to expand its influence within the European Parliament, the formation of this new alliance marks a pivotal moment in the political landscape of the EU. The alliance’s success will depend on its ability to attract support from additional member states, a challenge it must meet to solidify its presence and impact in European politics.
The development signals a potential shift in the balance of power within the European Parliament, reflecting broader shift of interest towards domestic policies within Europe.
