Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has announced the formation of a new alliance called "Patriots for Europe." The alliance includes Austria's far-right Freedom Party, led by Herbert Kickl, and the former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš's ANO party. The goal of the alliance is to attract more partners and become the largest hard right-wing group in the European Parliament.

Orbán traveled to Vienna to present the alliance a day before Hungary assumes the European Union's rotating presidency for the next six months. The formation of the alliance comes after the recent European Parliament elections that saw an increase in far-right parties, albeit with varying performances in different countries. These parties have previously been spread across two groups in the EU legislature, along with several unaligned parties.

Orbán has often been at odds with other EU leaders, challenging their decisions and opposing key EU policies. His vocal opposition has led to him being marginalized in the continent's mainstream. During the event, Orbán criticized the current EU leadership, stating that what Europeans truly desire is peace, order, and development, while Brussels is offering war, migration, and stagnation.

In a post on social media platform X, Orbán emphasized the strength of the alliance, stating that the three parties are aiming to become the most powerful right-wing group in European politics. However, in order to form a group in the new parliament successfully, at least four more EU countries need to send their lawmakers to join the alliance.

Herbert Kickl, leader of the Freedom Party, noted that the new European Parliament will convene for the first time on July 16 in Strasbourg. He expressed his openness to all political forces that wish to participate in their reform efforts, indicating that there may be potential partners from unexpected quarters. Kickl did not disclose the names of potential partners, and there were no questions taken during the event.

The Freedom Party, which narrowly won first place in the recent European Parliament election, is also aiming to secure victory in Austria's national election scheduled for September 29. All three parties in the alliance have displayed pro-Russian tendencies and have not shown support for Ukraine in its conflict against Russia.

In a social media post, Andrej Babiš reasserted the alliance's commitment to national sovereignty, liberty, and peace, particularly concerning the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The formation of the "Patriots for Europe" alliance reflects the growing influence of far-right parties and their efforts to consolidate power within the European Parliament. As the alliance seeks to expand its reach and influence, its impact on European politics remains to be seen.