'This election is about whether we'll be robbed!' - Orban urges unity, pledges to keep Hungary out of Ukraine conflict

"Prime Minister Viktor Orban renewed his pledge to keep Budapest out of the Ukraine conflict during his Szolnok rally on Monday, warning that the upcoming election will decide if Hungary allows itself to be 'robbed.' "Our most important commitment was that no matter what happens - if Brussels stands on its head, if Zelensky smashes eight pianos - we will not allow Hungary to be dragged into the war," Orban stated. "I have come here, dear people of Szolnok, to renew our alliance against war made in 2022, and to jointly say that we commit, that between 2026 and 2030, we will not allow Hungary to be dragged into the war," he continued. Orban claimed that the European Union and Kiev are using the ongoing conflict as a pretext to 'jointly rob Hungary,' warning that Ukraine would ultimately be unable to repay loans provided by Brussels. "One of the stakes of this election is whether we allow ourselves to be robbed. [...] I saw the contract, which I refused to sign, which states that the Ukrainians will repay this 90 billion once they have defeated the Russians and the Russians have paid reparations. In other words, this means they will never repay it," Orban said. "Since the loans taken from the bankers have nation-state guarantees, and the Ukrainians cannot pay, they are already being taken away - our money. Not just yours, but also your children's and grandchildren's. This election is about money as well as about war," he stressed. The rally comes days before Hungary's April 12 parliamentary elections, with the race narrowing to Orban - who is seeking a fifth consecutive term - and Peter Magyar of the Tisza Party. The vote takes place against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between Hungary and the European Union, particularly over support for Ukraine. Hungary has blocked the latest 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine, while accusing Kiev of blocking fuel supplies to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline for 'political' reasons. Kiev claims it was damaged by a 'Russian attack'. Budapest has also alleged that Kiev funded the opposition with cash and gold bars seized in recent months - claims the Tisza Party has denied."

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