World War III

[Jon G]

HOPE FOR HUNGARY



May 10, 1998

The Hungarian people have chosen a new path in Viktor Orban and his Fidesz party.  Orban, who will become Hungary’s new prime minister, led his party to a plurality victory in the parliamentary elections.  In his victory address, the new premier states, “Let us not wind the clocks back to a time of strife.  Let us move towards a future in which Hungary leads the world.  And the first step towards that better future is cooperation with our European neighbors.”

His words resound across Europe.  Leaders in London, Paris and Berlin watch as a former member of the Warsaw Pact continues its march towards democracy.  In London, Prime Minister Tony Blair sees Orban’s rise as parallel to his own: a young, charismatic leader pledging a new direction after years of stagnation.

The next day, the incoming premier receives congratulatory phone calls from Blair, American President Bill Clinton, French President Jacques Chirac, German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and many other world leaders.  One call is left unreturned, with Orban leaving a note on his desk to remind him to follow up.  After a few moments of hesitation, Orban has his secretary dial the Kremlin.  Russian President Boris Yeltsin, aged and tired, briefly congratulates Hungary’s new leader but chooses not to delve into deeper discussion.

“Mr. Orban, I would like you to speak with a man on my staff, a rising leader like yourself.  I am confident you and he will be working together very soon,” tells Yeltsin.

The next voice to speak is one unfamiliar to Orban.  “Premier Orban, this is Vladimir Putin.”

[Jon G]

"PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE"



April 7, 2002

Premier Viktor Orban has been rejected in the polls by the Hungarian people, who have chosen a new direction in Socialist candidate Peter Medgyessy.  Medgyessy centered his campaign on reorienting Hungary towards the West.  Orban had spent his four-year term as prime minister pursuing closer ties with Russia, particularly with new Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In his concession speech, Orban cautions the Hungarian people against basing their votes in the hope of immediate economic relief.  “Nations to the west have promised us that they can fix our problems overnight.  However, my countrymen, patience is a virtue.  As your premier, I chose not to bow to Western masters.  I believe we can solve our own problems as a people.”

Orban plans to retire from politics altogether until he gets a phone call the evening of the election.  A familiar voice greets him.  “I am sorry for your loss, Viktor,” consoles Vladimir Putin.  “As you said in your speech, patience is a virtue.  Lead the opposition and you will soon again lead Hungary.  That is when we can reach our full potential.”

With encouragement from his friend Putin, Orban decides to remain leader of Fidesz.  He vows to oppose any measure which surrenders Hungary’s sovereignty to any Western power.  As a child, he studied the dominance of Vienna in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.  Now, he remains ever weary of allowing decisions for Hungarians to be made in Vienna, Berlin, Paris, London, Washington, or anywhere other than Budapest.  Putin has impressed him with his plans to challenge the unipolar world order.  While Orban has no intention of being a puppet of Moscow any more than a puppet of Vienna, he sees a bright future resulting in cooperation with President Putin and Russia.