Orban Launches 'Patriots for Europe' Alliance

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has launched the 'Patriots for Europe' alliance in collaboration with Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) and the Czech Republic's ANO party, led by former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. This new political group aims to consolidate right-wing forces in the European Parliament and become its largest right-wing faction. Orbán, who has frequently opposed EU policies on issues like the war in Ukraine and relations with Russia and China, emphasized that the alliance seeks 'peace, order, and development' as opposed to 'war, migration, and stagnation' from the Brussels elite. To gain official recognition as a parliamentary group, they need support from parties in at least four additional EU countries. The announcement coincides with Hungary's six-month presidency of the European Union. Chega, Portugal's far-right party, is also considering joining this new alliance.