The European far-right Patriots for Europe face uncertainty after Viktor Orbán’s electoral loss in Hungary, which sparked doubts about his continuing influence in the party he helped establish. A rally scheduled on Saturday in Milan will act as an initial measure of the party’s unity and political drive.
A prominent MEP from the far-right Patriots for Europe (PfE) described the situation as “the end of an era,” highlighting a critical juncture for the third largest political faction in the European Parliament.
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Following Viktor Orbán’s defeat in Hungary’s elections, repercussions are felt in Brussels, where his supporters are speculating about how engaged the departing prime minister will remain in European political affairs.
Orbán is recognized as a ‘founding father’ of the «Patriots,» a coalition he initiated together with Herbert Kickl from Austria’s Freedom Party and Andrej Babiš, who now serves as Czechia’s prime minister.
After a period without a political family, Orbán led the launch of this new alliance in July 2024 to bring together far-right parties under one umbrella, swiftly drawing in National Rally, League, Vox, and other nationalist groups.
This coalition rapidly developed into a structured political party, Patriots.eu, established upon the Vienna manifesto—a document authored by Orbán, Kickl, and Babiš—which advocates for enhanced national sovereignty in opposition to EU institutions.
By organizing regular meetings among leaders in Brussels prior to EU summits, conducting events across Europe to support national campaigns, and strengthening cooperation within the Parliament, Orbán positioned his political project prominently at the European level—effectively chipping away at the barrier maintained by pro-European forces during the previous legislative term.
Now, with Orbán out of power in Hungary and uncertain about his future leadership of the Fidesz party, PfE members are striving to comprehend his intentions for the alliance.
While some worry that his defeat might lead to diminished political involvement, others anticipate that he could focus more intensively on European affairs.
“He will be much more visible in Brussels. His battles will shift here,” an MEP from PfE told Euronews, noting that having a leader of Orbán’s stature active in Parliament may ultimately strengthen the movement over time.
The Fidesz delegation, consisting of 11 MEPs, is projected to remain influential within the group, with its leading MEP, Kinga Gál, holding the position of first vice-president and frequently acting on behalf of the chairman Jordan Bardella—who is also president of National Rally—during daily activities in Brussels.
“Currently, their mood is quite low,” a PfE official commented in the days following the elections.
A rally in Milan as a first test
The first significant far-right assembly to gauge the mood post-Hungary election will take place this Saturday in Italy, where Patriots for Europe has planned a rally in Milan’s central square under the slogan “No fear. Masters of our own house.”
The event will emphasize the “remigration” of foreigners to their countries of origin.
Bardella and Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch Party for Freedom, will participate alongside The League’s Matteo Salvini, while other leaders are expected to contribute via video message.
The rally will also criticize the EU’s reduction of Russian gas imports and its environmental policies, with Matteo Salvini announcing that at least 20 tractors representing agricultural associations will be present.
Authorities are preparing for potential public order challenges, as two protest marches organized by social centers, civil organizations, and left-wing political groups are scheduled elsewhere in the city. Italian police have reportedly devised a security plan to keep opposing demonstrations separate, according to local media.
The final list of attendees has not been confirmed, and it remains uncertain whether Orbán will appear either in person or remotely. “It is unlikely he wants to face protesters after such a loss,” a PfE official told Euronews.
Parliament insiders indicate that leaders will likely discuss the consequences of the Hungarian elections in Milan, while Patriots for Europe MEPs are set to analyze the results during a group session in Brussels on 21 April.
“The structure remains unchanged. We will continue as the third largest group in Parliament. I predict more upheavals in the Council, where we have lost one of the two heads of state we previously had,” stated another MEP.