In Paris, the right-wing, counter-globalist Patriots for Europe group, the European Parliament’s third-largest faction, held leadership elections yesterday.
Formed in June by Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán, former Czech PM Andrej Babiš, and Austrian Freedom Party leader Herbert Kickl, the alliance now includes prominent right-wing parties like France’s National Rally and the Dutch Party for Freedom.
Santiago Abascal, leader of Spain’s Vox party, was elected president of the group. Orbán congratulated him on X, asserting, “We don’t represent Brussels bureaucrats; we represent the European people.” Gál Kinga of Hungary’s Fidesz party became vice-president, pledging to build a Europe proud of its traditions and committed to sovereignty.
Congratulations to @Santi_ABASCAL on his election as President of the @PatriotsEU Party. The Brussels elite wants to silence us, but we will not give in! We don’t represent Brussels bureaucrats, we represent the European people. Our mandate is clear: protecting European families,… pic.twitter.com/BHpE63QLSZ
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) November 16, 2024
Orbán, citing lessons from Donald Trump’s bold approach, urged clear and decisive leadership on migration, sovereignty, and cultural issues. He emphasized, “There’s no need to shift to the center because the center has already shifted toward us.”
The group reiterated its commitment to protecting EU borders and criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for her attacks on Orbán over migration, EU competitiveness, and his peace efforts regarding the war in Ukraine. Orbán dismissed the EC as a “political weapon” rather than a guardian of treaties.
Despite past tensions, Orbán highlighted a shift in European diplomacy following Hungary’s hosting of key summits. Von der Leyen even praised Orbán’s leadership in the Budapest Declaration, signaling a possible thaw in relations. Looking ahead, the Patriots for Europe aim to drive bold reforms and restore European competitiveness while championing national sovereignty and traditional values.
