Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, isn’t mincing words—he says the United Nations needs a serious overhaul, and fast. After meeting with UN Under-Secretary-General for Policy Guy Ryder in New York, he took to Facebook, calling for an end to bureaucratic waste, liberal bias, and inefficiency that have plagued the institution.
Szijjártó argues that if the UN wants to remain a truly global platform for East-West dialogue, its leaders must step out of their comfort zones. He echoed Donald Trump’s criticisms, insisting the organization has lost its way, often lecturing member states instead of helping them. His solution? Cut redundancies, reduce waste, and refocus on real global challenges.
Hungary, he emphasized, has a vested interest in the UN’s success. The country has already demonstrated the benefits of decentralization, with several UN agencies thriving in Budapest. And it’s ready to host more. But Szijjártó warned that if UN leaders remain detached in their New York headquarters, they risk jeopardizing the institution’s future.
Hungary has long faced resistance in global politics, but with Donald Trump back in the picture, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is seizing the moment. His government has been at the forefront of efforts to restructure international organizations like the UN and EU, while also challenging U.S. agencies like USAID, which previously funneled millions into left-wing, anti-Orbán media and projects aimed at unseating his Fidesz government.
Despite the shifting political landscape, attacks on Hungary persist. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly used Western financial aid to target Orbán, branding him a Putin ally for advocating peace in Ukraine rather than backing escalation.
As Hungary positions itself as a key player in reshaping global institutions, Szijjártó’s message is clear: reform is no longer optional—it’s essential.
