Zoltán Kovács: 'Winning two-thirds four times in a row is no accident'

Budapest Times

31-01-2025

Hungary's political landscape remains unique in Europe, with its government maintaining stability and electoral success despite external pressures. In a recent interview with Index.hu, State Secretary Zoltán Kovács discussed key political, economic, and geopolitical challenges facing the country.
State Secretary for International Communication Zoltán Kovács emphasized the importance of Hungary's consistent electoral success, attributing it to strategic governance and public engagement. 'Winning two-thirds four times in a row is no accident,' he stated, arguing that the Hungarian government's approach has remained in line with the expectations of the people. He contrasted this with other European governments, many of which have struggled to complete their terms due to shifting political tides​.
Hungary's approach to governance, including the use of national consultations, was also highlighted. State Secretary Kovács defended these consultations against criticism, arguing that they provide a direct link between the government and citizens. 'Even if we know beforehand that there is a consensus, it is worth asking,' he explained, noting that Hungary's approach contrasts sharply with the instability seen in other European nations​.
According to him, Hungary plays a crucial role in defending Central Europe's interests within the EU. He underscored the historic and geopolitical realities that make Central Europe distinct from Western Europe. 'The whole mechanism of the EU is working to bind the Central Europeans into the same system as the Western Europeans. It won't work, because it never has historically,' he asserted​.
Zoltán Kovács also pointed to external forces, including Russia, Ukraine, and even Western powers, that he believes are trying to disrupt Central European cooperation. While discussing political threats, he noted that Hungary has faced sustained efforts to be 'forced into a corner' over the past 14 years but has maintained its position through political stability​.
Despite political challenges, State Secretary Kovács highlighted Hungary's economic and diplomatic successes, particularly in the context of the Hungarian EU presidency. He pointed to Hungary's role in securing agreements on EU budget matters and agricultural policies. 'The only way to achieve a political result was to overcome the political resistance that existed in other countries,' he noted, referencing efforts to advance Schengen accession and EU enlargement​.
On the broader economic front, he acknowledged that economic performance would be a decisive factor in upcoming political debates. However, he warned against 'impulse politics' that seek to influence public opinion without concrete strategies. 'The Hungarians will also have to decide whether to choose such a path—or whether to look back at what we have achieved so far and what we have planned,' he said, expressing confidence that voters would support continuity​.
He also touched upon Hungary's relationship with the United States, particularly under the new U.S. administration. He described the personal connection between Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and President Trump as 'a friendship,' emphasizing that their political philosophies align in many respects. 'We were Trump or Trumpists before Trump himself,' he remarked, suggesting that Hungary's political stance had anticipated broader trends in conservative governance​.
Hungary's government remains focused on maintaining political stability, securing economic gains, and defending national sovereignty. While the state secretary acknowledged external pressures, he underscored that Hungary's political model has proven effective in recent years.
'We have performance behind us, we have vision behind us and ahead of us, and we have strategies that work,' he concluded​.