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Hungary’s Prime Minister has accused European leaders of attempting to undermine his country’s sovereignty, vowing to dismantle what he calls a “shadow army” of foreign-funded media, NGOs, and political activists.

Some shit you should know before you read: If you’re unaware, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has led Hungary with an increasingly nationalist style since 2010, consolidating power through constitutional changes and what some say is media control and crackdowns on political opposition. Despite Hungary being a member of the European Union, Orbán has been one of its fiercest critics. He has openly opposed the EU’s support for Ukraine, arguing that military aid and fast-tracked membership are tools of Western imperialism rather than genuine assistance. He also has a working relationship with Vladimir Putin, which many EU countries paint him as being “pro-Russia.”  

What’s going on now: During his speech on Hungary’s national day, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán accused foreign-funded organizations and political actors of working against the country’s sovereignty. He said, “After today’s festive gathering comes the Easter cleaning. The bugs have overwintered. We will dismantle the financial machine that has used corrupt dollars to buy politicians, judges, journalists, pseudo-NGOs and political activists. We will eliminate the entire shadow army.”

He reiterated that foreign money was being used to corrupt Hungary’s institutions and vowed to “dismantle the financial machine that has used corrupt dollars to buy politicians, judges, journalists, pseudo-NGOs, and political activists.”

Orbán also lashed out at the EU’s support for Ukraine, accusing the EU of pushing for Ukraine’s fast-tracked membership at the expense of Hungarian taxpayers. He said, “The rulers of Europe decided that Ukraine must continue the war at all costs, and it will get a fast EU membership in exchange, using our money. We can only have one answer to that: a Union but without Ukraine.”

This all comes as protests fueled by opposition leader Péter Magyar and his new “Tisza” party gain momentum, with tens of thousands gathering in Budapest to voice their frustration with Orbán’s leadership. Many are protesting the cost-of-living crisis in the country and the allegations of corruption within Orbán’s government.