Viktor Orbán Ignites Nationalist Revolution: 'Patriots for Europe' Takes on EU Establishment

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is spearheading a nationalist revolution within the European Union with the formation of a powerful new parliamentary group, Patriots for Europe. This groundbreaking alliance of nationalist parties from across Europe promises to shake up the EU Parliament, potentially shifting the balance of power away from the socialist and monolithic project of the European Union. This movement aims to redefine the future of the EU by restoring the voice of nation-states within the union.

A Wave of Nationalist Support

Joining Orbán’s Fidesz in the new group are Austria’s Freedom Party (FPÖ), Czech Republic’s Action for Dissatisfied Citizens (ANO), and Portugal’s Chega. Recently, the Party for Freedom (PVV) from the Netherlands and Spain’s Vox have also declared their intent to join. Furthermore, the French National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, is reportedly considering membership.

The political change in Europe has begun! Today we lanched a new political group with @AndrejBabis and Herbert Kickl.

European people want three things: #peace, order and development. All they get from the current Brussels elite is #war, #migration and stagnation.

In this… pic.twitter.com/u3Pd4YaJxy

— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) June 30, 2024

PVV leader Geert Wilders expressed his party’s commitment, stating, “We proudly join the new group as patriots who cherish strong sovereign states, peace, and freedom. We oppose illegal immigration and strive to protect Europe’s Judeo-Christian heritage.” Wilders’ stance reflects the broader goals of Patriots for Europe, which aims to curb illegal immigration and preserve national sovereignty.

We are PVV-patriots, we love our nation. Strong and sovereign. Resisting illegal immigration. We defend peace and freedom. And support 🇺🇦. We protect our Judeo-Christian heritage. And our families.

We want to combine forces in the EP and will proudly join #PatriotsforEurope! 💪

— Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) July 5, 2024

Spanish Vox leader Santiago Abascal also declared that his party is joining Patriots for Europe. Simultaneously, he extended a hand on social media to Georgia Meloni, her Brothers of Italy party, and the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group, which they are now leaving. The ECR group includes parties from countries such as the United Kingdom, Poland, and Italy, advocating conservative and eurosceptic policies.

Happening now 👉 meeting @Santi_ABASCAL at a historic moment in #Madrid: VOX has just announced that they’re joining the new #patriotic party family in #Europe. 🇭🇺🤝🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/PfWAPLgxG8

— Balázs Orbán (@BalazsOrban_HU) July 5, 2024

Abascal emphasized their mutual “personal, political, and moral bond” and pledged to continue working towards “a common historical project.” Abascal stated, “The simpletons, the manipulators, and the opportunistic vultures make no mistake. The personal relationship with Giorgia Meloni goes far beyond daily and circumstantial politics. Because there is a personal, political, and moral bond. And VOX’s bilateral relationship with Fratelli D’Italia goes far beyond the groups in the European Parliament. Because it is a common historical project that, with all the allies, will rebuild Europe.”

No se equivoquen los simples, ni los manipuladores, ni los buitres oportunistas.

La relación personal con Giorgia Meloni va mucho más allá de la política diaria y coyuntural. Porque existe un lazo personal, político y moral.

Y la relación bilateral de VOX con Fratelli… pic.twitter.com/EzgTTXlTcq

— Santiago Abascal 🇪🇸 (@Santi_ABASCAL) July 5, 2024

Background on ECR and ID Groups

The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) and Identity and Democracy (ID) groups have been significant players in the EU Parliament, each with distinct political leanings and member parties. The ECR, established in 2009, advocates for conservative and eurosceptic policies, emphasizing the importance of national sovereignty over supranational governance. Key members of the ECR include Poland’s Law and Justice (PiS) party, the UK’s Conservative Party (prior to Brexit), and Italy’s Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d’Italia). With its influence in the Parliament, the ECR has been a vocal critic of EU federalism, pushing for reforms that prioritize the interests of individual member states.

The Identity and Democracy (ID) group, formed in 2019, is known for its more radical nationalist stance. Comprising parties such as France’s National Rally, Italy’s Lega, and Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD), the ID group champions stringent immigration controls and preserving European cultural identity. The ID group has made headlines for its strong opposition to mass immigration and its calls for more significant autonomy for member states.

Both groups have wielded considerable influence within the EU Parliament, shaping debates on key issues such as immigration, economic policy, and the balance of power between Brussels and member states. However, the emergence of Patriots for Europe threatens to disrupt the status quo, potentially drawing members away from the ECR and ID groups and reshaping the political dynamics within the EU.

A constituent meeting for the new group is set for Monday, with hopes to finalize all necessary criteria. This development comes in the wake of Fidesz’s departure from the conservative and Christian-democratic EPP group in 2021, after years of internal conflict and exclusion demands from other parties.

Meeting EU Parliament Requirements

For Orban’s new group to gain official recognition and associated benefits within the European Parliament, it must have at least 23 MEPs from seven different countries. Orbán’s new group has already secured 37 MEPs, fulfilling the first requirement. The next hurdle is gaining representation from one more member state. While Poland’s Law and Justice party has yet to commit, discussions with the French National Rally are ongoing.

The establishment of Patriots for Europe could significantly impact existing groups, particularly the ECR and the more radical Identity and Democracy (ID) group. Should the French National Rally shift its 30 members to Orbán’s group, it could spell the end for the ID group.

A Shift in EU Power Dynamics

Orbán’s initiative is bolstered by Hungary’s presidency of the EU, which began on July 1, 2024, and runs until December 31, 2024. This presidency rotates among the EU member states every six months. Hungary took over from Belgium, which held the presidency in the first half of 2024​.

The recent gains by pro-nationalist parties in the EU elections signal a potential shift in the parliament’s balance of power. Voters in member states increasingly support nation-friendly parties, hoping to reduce non-Western mass immigration, particularly Islamic, and limit the transfer of power to Brussels. This shift aims to transform the EU from a supranational federation back to an intergovernmental cooperation, which was its original intention.

We #patriots love our country for its own sake. We are not against anyone, but we don’t want a Europe that takes away, diminishes, erases everything that is important to us as patriots. #PatriotsforEurope pic.twitter.com/B6zp0XpAD2

— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) July 4, 2024

Expanding the Coalition

Rumors suggest that other parties, such as Slovakia’s SMER, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, and Poland’s Law and Justice (PiS), may soon join the coalition. Fico, who recently survived an assassination attempt, represents a significant potential ally. The Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), led by Janez Janša, is also a potential member. With Slovakia, it would mean the entire Visegrád group would be part of the new group. The Visegrád Group, also known as the V4, consists of four Central European countries: Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.

Orbán remains optimistic, stating in Vienna, “We are creating a political formation that will soon become Europe’s largest right-wing group.” This sentiment underscores the strategic alliances forming under the umbrella of Patriots for Europe.

Orbán’s Vision for Europe

On social media platform X, Orbán declared, “The political change of Europe has begun. European people want peace, order, and development, but all they get from the current Brussels elite is war, immigration, and stagnation.” His words resonate with many European voters who feel disillusioned with the current EU leadership.

With no strict deadline for forming the group post-EU elections, the coming days are crucial for Orbán and his allies. If successful, Patriots for Europe could significantly influence the EU’s future direction, advocating for national sovereignty and reduced immigration.

Implications for the Future

The creation of Patriots for Europe marks a significant moment in EU politics. If Orbán succeeds in formalizing the group, it will represent a substantial shift towards nationalist and sovereigntist policies within the European Parliament. This move could also inspire similar realignments across other international political bodies, reflecting a growing trend of nationalism and protectionism in global politics.

The constituent meeting on Monday will be a pivotal moment. With the backing of influential nationalist leaders and parties, Patriots for Europe aims to challenge the status quo in Brussels and advocate for a Europe that prioritizes national sovereignty and controlled immigration. As Orbán and his allies push forward, the political dynamics within the EU are set for a potentially dramatic transformation.