Orbán holds the bishops close
Hungary’s PM is exerting a growing influence on church affairs, says
Alexander Faludy MTI (Hungarian State News Agency)
Pastor Zoltán Balog after receiving the Hungarian Cross of Merit from President János Áder, in August
Pastor Zoltán Balog after receiving the Hungarian Cross of Merit from President János Áder, in August
“HUNGARY before everything, God above us all” are the words with which the country’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, rounds off his “State of the Nation” speech each January. They typify a wider pattern: at a conservative estimate, he has solemnly invoked the Almighty at least 30 times in his published remarks this year.