Hungary’s far-right ‘Our Homeland Movement’ harbour delusions of taking over Ukrainian territory from Russia

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Hungary’s far-right Our Homeland Movement would lay claim to a western region of Ukraine that is home to about 150,000 ethnic Hungarians if Ukraine loses its statehood due to Russia’s invasion, the party’s leader, Laszlo Toroczkai, has stated.

Laszlo Toroczkai made the remarks at a conference where the party, which has six lawmakers in the 199-strong Hungarian parliament, hosted far-right leaders from Germany’s AfD and the Dutch Forum for Democracy, among others.

“Regarding the war in Ukraine, our message is very simple: immediate ceasefire, peace and a resolution through talks,” Toroczkai said in a video posted on his party’s website, calling for autonomy for ethnic Hungarians in western Ukraine.

“If this war ends up with Ukraine losing its statehood, because this is also on the cards, then as the only Hungarian party taking this position, let me signal that we lay claim to Transcarpathia,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba condemed the statement by Laszlo Toroczkai regarding territorial claims to Ukraine’s Zakarpattia region in the event of a Ukrainian defeat in the war.

The Hungarian Foreign Ministry and the Ukrainian Embassy in Budapest have not commented on Torockzai’s remarks.

In a December interview on public radio, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, however he has also called for a ceasefire on numerous occasions.

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Read also: Viktor Orbán – from Putin’s Trojan Horse in Brussels to “that dog” in mere minutes

“Skabeyeva’s tone took a sharp turn when it was revealed that Orban had in fact voted in favour of allocating €50 billion in macro-financial assistance to Ukraine.

“Skabeyeva expressed her dismay, referring to Orban as “that dog” for allegedly betraying his earlier stance..”

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Laszlo Toroczkai: A Maverick Force in Hungarian Politics.

In the intricate tapestry of Hungarian politics, Laszlo Toroczkai (born László Tóth) has emerged as a prominent figure, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s political landscape.

Born in 1978, Toroczkai’s journey from a small village in Bácska to the forefront of national politics has been nothing short of remarkable.

Toroczkai gained initial recognition as the mayor of Ásotthalom, a town on the Hungarian-Serbian border, where he implemented a series of controversial policies aimed at curbing illegal immigration.

His uncompromising stance on border security and national identity resonated with a segment of the population, propelling him into the spotlight.

In 2018, Toroczkai founded the Our Homeland Movement, a right-wing political entity committed to safeguarding Hungary’s sovereignty and cultural heritage.

The party’s platform is rooted in a fervent nationalism, advocating for stricter immigration controls, protection of traditional values, and a rejection of perceived external influences.

The Our Homeland Party has garnered both support and criticism. Supporters applaud Toroczkai’s unyielding commitment to Hungarian identity and his efforts to fortify the nation’s borders.

Critics, on the other hand, denounce the party’s perceived exclusionary policies and its alignment with far-right ideologies.

Toroczkai’s political trajectory has been marked by strategic alliances and rifts within the broader Hungarian political spectrum.

His ability to navigate this complex terrain has solidified his position as a maverick force, capable of influencing the national discourse.

As Hungary faces ongoing challenges, including debates over European integration, Toroczkai and the Our Homeland Movement remain central players in the unfolding political drama.

The enigmatic leader continues to shape the narrative, leaving an indubitable imprint on Hungary’s political future.

Only time will reveal the lasting impact of Toroczkai’s vision for a homeland defined by tradition, security, and a steadfast commitment to Hungarian values.

He is currently a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Main image: By Elekes Andor – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=111631803

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