alexa

As a mother, I had to hold on when I heard the death threats from Ukrainians directed at Viktor Orbán’s children and grandchildren.

A Ukrainian lieutenant general would reportedly send Zelensky’s “death squad” after Viktor Orbán and his family if he does not change his position regarding Ukraine and the war.

I cannot even imagine what a parent must feel in such a situation. At the same time, I know exactly that Viktor Orbán cannot be intimidated from representing Hungarian interests.

He stood up for Hungary even when no one else did. And Hungarians cannot be blackmailed.

So no matter the death threats, the Brussels-Tisza-Ukrainian cooperation against Hungarians: Viktor Orbán will not surrender, and neither will the Hungarian people.

This is what we must also show at Sunday’s Peace March. Enough of Ukrainian blackmail, enough of the charade by Péter Magyar and Zelensky!

Let us stand up for peace and show that Hungary will not be pushed around!

This video may be a bit more personal than the ones I usually make, but today’s news brought out the mother in me rather than the politician. Perhaps it is also because my daughter is at camp and I have not seen her for five days, and she is finally coming home today, which makes me even more sensitive to news like this.

But when I read that Ukrainians had threatened not only Viktor Orbán personally, but also his five children and six grandchildren, something in me snapped. It is simply unbelievable that in politics there seem to be no red lines left that someone has not crossed in recent weeks or months—whether on the Ukrainian side or among the Hungarian opposition.

If one thinks about why people enter public life, I believe there is only one good answer: to leave something behind for the next generation and to build something that will make their lives better, easier, and safer.

All of us who take part in public life should keep this in mind. For example, in my own office I always keep a few small things my daughter gave me—perhaps a little Christmas message, or one of her first tiny shoes, and many photographs. They constantly remind me that I took on public life because of her, with all its beauty and all its difficulties.

I cannot imagine what it must feel like when the Prime Minister of Hungary reads that his grandchildren and children are being threatened from Ukraine. And why? Simply because he stands up for Hungarian interests and refuses to pursue a pro-Ukrainian policy that would harm Hungary.

Nor can I imagine what it must feel like, as the leader of a country, to face the fact that his challengers—the Tisza party led by Péter Magyar—are allies of the very people who threaten him. Because that is what is happening now.

What is happening is that the Tisza party is cooperating with Ukraine in order to remove the national government and replace it with a pro-Ukrainian government imposed on Hungarians.

When I see videos like this, I cannot help but feel that there are no limits to what Ukrainians would do to bring their preferred candidate, Péter Magyar, to power in Hungary.

I can only hope that love—however sentimental that may sound—is stronger than this kind of hatred.

And I trust that we Hungarians cannot be diverted from what matters to us and what our goal is, not even by such brutally harsh threats.

Our goal is for Hungary to remain a sovereign country—one that we can proudly pass on to our children and grandchildren.

And I believe that at the upcoming Peace March we will show that we cannot be intimidated and cannot be threatened.

We are proud to stand up at the Peace March for Viktor Orbán—the man who has always kept Hungarian interests in mind and who has never been intimidated when it came to representing the interests of the Hungarian people.

I hope that the campaign—although this may be a naive hope—will move toward somewhat calmer waters in the coming thirty-something days.

And to the political actors on the other side at home, I ask them to think carefully about whether they truly want to push the cart of a Ukraine that issues threats like this against the country and the Hungarian Prime Minister—against his grandchildren and his children—and whether they want to represent such a Ukraine in the Hungarian Parliament after the elections.

1️⃣ Activating family emotions (maternal emotional framing)

Excerpt

“As a mother I had to hold on to something…”
“his five children and six grandchildren…”

Technique

The political conflict is placed into a mother–child emotional frame.

The focus is no longer on politics, but on:

  • children
  • grandchildren
  • family

This is one of the strongest emotional triggers in communication.

Goal

  • evoke empathy
  • emotionally involve the reader
  • reduce critical thinking

Effect

The reader no longer perceives it as a political issue, but rather as:

➡️ “an attack against a family.”


2️⃣ Shock threat narrative (fear shock framing)

Excerpt

“death threat”
“death squad”

Technique

The communication relies on an extreme threat narrative.

Key words:

  • death
  • liquidation
  • threats against family members

This produces an immediate emotional reaction.

Goal

  • shock effect
  • fear generation
  • political mobilization

Effect

The reader may feel that:

➡️ “this is no longer politics — it is a matter of life and death.”


3️⃣ Leader = nation fusion (leader–nation fusion)

Excerpt

“Orbán Viktor is being threatened”
“Hungarians cannot be blackmailed”

Technique

The communication merges together:

  • Orbán Viktor
  • Hungary
  • the Hungarian people

Thus the narrative becomes:

An attack on Orbán = an attack on Hungary

Goal

To frame criticism of the political leader as an attack on the nation itself.

Effect

Readers may begin to think:

➡️ “Anyone who is against Orbán is against Hungary.”


4️⃣ Enemy coalition narrative (enemy coalition framing)

Excerpt

“Brussels, Tisza, and Ukrainian collusion”

Technique

Different actors are merged into a single hostile alliance:

  • Ukraine
  • Brussels
  • the Hungarian opposition
  • the Tisza party

This is a classic propaganda technique.

Goal

To create one large, unified enemy image.

Effect

The reader may perceive that:

➡️ “everyone is working against us.”


5️⃣ Hero leader narrative (hero leadership framing)

Excerpt

“Orbán Viktor cannot be intimidated”

Technique

The leader is presented as a brave defender.

Narrative elements:

  • he stands firm despite threats
  • he protects the nation
  • he refuses to bow to pressure

Goal

To strengthen the legitimacy and authority of the leader.

Effect

➡️ “He is the only one who can protect us.”


6️⃣ Moral framing (good vs evil framing)

The worldview presented in the text:

Good sideBad side
HungariansUkrainians
peacewar
OrbánBrussels
national governmentopposition

This is a black-and-white political framing.

Goal

To simplify a complex geopolitical conflict.


7️⃣ Political mobilization (mobilization framing)

Excerpt

“We must show this at Sunday’s Peace March”

Technique

At the end of the emotional narrative, the text calls for concrete political action.

Structure:

  1. shocking story
  2. emotional identification
  3. enemy construction
  4. mobilization

This is a typical campaign communication template.


8️⃣ Delegitimizing the opposition (traitor framing)

Excerpt

“the Tisza party is collaborating with Ukraine”

Technique

The political opponent is portrayed as serving foreign interests.

This is a core technique in populist political communication.

Goal

To weaken the legitimacy of the opposition.

Effect

➡️ “They do not represent Hungarian interests.”


Rhetorical structure of the text

The communication follows a classic propaganda sequence:

1️⃣ Shock
“death threat”

2️⃣ Emotional identification
“as a mother…”

3️⃣ Enemy identification
Ukraine + Brussels + opposition

4️⃣ Hero presentation
Orbán

5️⃣ Mobilization
Peace March


In short

The text simultaneously uses:

  • fear appeals
  • family emotions
  • enemy construction
  • a heroic leader narrative
  • electoral mobilization

This is textbook campaign communication.

alexa

According to Zelenskyy, World War III is very close. The Ukrainians are trying ever more desperately to drag Europe into their war. It has never been more important for us to stay out of it. Péter Magyar is assisting the pro-war plans coming from Brussels — we are NOT. Fidesz is the safe choice!

According to Zelenskyy, World War III is very close. And in their war, the Ukrainians are increasingly trying to pull us in as well, in an ever more desperate way. That is exactly why it is so important, in this situation, to do everything we can to stay out of the war. This cannot be expected from Péter Magyar, behind whom the entire pro-war Brussels elite has lined up. That is why the only safe choice is Fidesz.

1️⃣ Activating fear of a world war (fear framing)

Excerpt

“According to Zelensky, the Third World War is very close.”

Technique

The communication builds on the strongest possible political fear:

  • world war
  • global catastrophe
  • immediate threat

This is a fear-triggering narrative that provokes an immediate emotional reaction.

Goal

  • create a sense of urgency
  • dramatize the electoral choice

Effect

The reader may feel:

➡️ “This is no longer politics — it’s about survival.”


2️⃣ The “they are dragging us into the war” narrative

Excerpt

“The Ukrainians are increasingly desperately trying to drag Europe into their war.”

Technique

The conflict is framed as if:

  • Ukraine is actively trying to pull Europe into the war

This is external threat framing.

Goal

  • portray Ukraine as a threatening actor
  • simplify the conflict

Effect

The reader may interpret it as:

➡️ “If we help Ukraine, we will automatically end up in the war.”


3️⃣ False dilemma

Excerpt

“We must stay out of the war.”

“The only safe choice is Fidesz.”

Technique

The communication narrows reality down to two options:

1️⃣ Fidesz → peace
2️⃣ opposition → war

In reality, however, there are many more political options.

Goal

  • simplify the electoral decision

Effect

The reader may feel:

➡️ “If I don’t vote for Fidesz, then I am supporting war.”


4️⃣ Building an enemy coalition (enemy coalition framing)

Excerpt

“The entire pro-war Brussels elite has lined up behind Péter Magyar.”

Technique

The opponent is presented as part of an international coalition:

  • Brussels
  • EU elites
  • pro-war politicians

This creates a conspiracy-like political framing.

Goal

  • delegitimize the opponent
  • elevate the conflict to an international level

Effect

➡️ “He is not just a political opponent, but someone serving foreign interests.”


5️⃣ Ignoring NATO reality

This is one of the most interesting aspects of the narrative.

Hungary

  • is a NATO member
  • is part of collective defense
  • belongs to a shared security structure

Despite this, the message suggests that:

➡️ Hungary can independently decide whether to “stay out of the war.”

Technique

This is strategic omission.

Goal

  • create a simpler political message
  • avoid complex geopolitical realities

Reality

NATO membership means that:

  • Hungary is part of an alliance system
  • security policy is not entirely autonomous

6️⃣ Political decision = security issue (securitization)

Excerpt

“It has never been more important that we stay out of the war.”

Technique

The election is elevated to an existential security issue.

This is a political communication strategy known as securitization.

Goal

  • magnify the importance of the election
  • mobilize voters

Effect

➡️ “This is not just an election — it is about the fate of the country.”


7️⃣ Reinforcement through repetition (propaganda repetition)

The message repeatedly emphasizes:

  • world war
  • being dragged into war
  • staying out
  • the safe choice

This is a classic propaganda technique.

Goal

Make the message memorable and easily internalized.


Summary

Alexa’s communication uses a very typical election propaganda structure:

1️⃣ fear of world war
2️⃣ external enemy (Ukraine, Brussels)
3️⃣ internal enemy (the opposition)
4️⃣ false dilemma (peace vs war)
5️⃣ omission of NATO reality
6️⃣ election framed as a national security issue

The final political framing becomes:

➡️ “Fidesz = peace”
➡️ “Opposition = war.”

alexa

🟠 On Sunday we are preparing for the largest Peace March ever – we need you there too!

This is not only a fantastic community experience, but also a clear stand for Hungary’s sovereignty and peace. This unity is especially important now, as Péter Magyar is aligning himself with Volodymyr Zelensky – the same Zelensky who refuses to reopen the Druzhba oil pipeline – all while energy prices are already rising dramatically due to the conflict involving Iran.

Let us say no to the pressure from Brussels and Kyiv, and show that we stand with the national government, which time and again stands up for Hungarian interests and for peace!

🇭🇺 Let’s meet at the Peace March on March 15!

Have you never tried it before? Then it’s about time you joined your very first Peace March this Sunday. The atmosphere is always fantastic – there are always huge crowds, everyone is cheerful, and we take a good long walk as well, so it even counts as a bit of cardio.

You’ll see plenty of groups of friends, families, and also people who come alone but quickly feel at home in the community. So don’t let the fact that you might arrive alone hold you back from joining the Peace March.

This time it carries special significance, because by participating we can stand up for Hungary, for our sovereignty, and for our freedom, and we can say no to the pressure coming from Ukraine.

This is especially important because it is particularly outrageous that Péter Magyar and his allies have sided with Zelensky – the same Zelensky who cut off oil shipments heading toward Hungary – precisely at a time when global energy prices are soaring due to the situation in the Middle East.

The fact that Péter Magyar’s camp has chosen to side with Ukraine and Brussels – forces that are currently working to put Hungary in the worst possible position during this difficult period, hoping this will help them win elections in April – says everything about them.

So if you want to stand up for Hungary, for Hungarian sovereignty, and say no to the pressure from Brussels, we will see you there on Sunday.

Let’s be as many as possible! 🇭🇺

1️⃣ Total “us vs. them” worldview (polarization)

Excerpt

“Let’s say no to the blackmail of Brussels and Kyiv.”
“Péter Magyar is playing together with Zelensky.”

Technique

The communication creates two completely opposing camps:

Us

  • Hungarians
  • the national government
  • peace
  • sovereignty

Them

  • Brussels
  • Kyiv
  • Zelensky
  • Péter Magyar
  • the opposition

This is binary political framing.

Goal

  • to create a simplified worldview
  • to turn a political conflict into a moral struggle

Effect

The reader may develop the feeling that:

➡️ “whoever is not with us is against us.”

This is why it can feel as if everyone is an enemy.


2️⃣ Threat narrative (threat framing)

Excerpt

“blackmail coming from Ukraine”
“oil shipments have been cut off”
“energy crisis”

Technique

The text constructs an existential threat:

  • energy shortage
  • foreign blackmail
  • economic crisis

Goal

  • activate fear
  • increase mobilization

Effect

People are more likely to take action (for example attend a demonstration) if they feel:

➡️ “the country is in danger.”


3️⃣ Portraying the political opponent as a foreign ally

Excerpt

“Péter Magyar is working together with Zelensky.”

Technique

This is known as foreign agent framing.

The opponent is not presented simply as a political rival, but as someone who:

➡️ serves foreign interests.

Goal

  • undermine the legitimacy of the opponent
  • construct the image of betrayal

Effect

The reader does not see a normal political debate, but rather:

➡️ “the national side vs. foreign interests.”


4️⃣ Marketing the event as a community experience

Excerpt

“the atmosphere is fantastic”
“groups of friends”
“it’s not bad for cardio either”

Technique

The political event is communicated as if it were a festival-like gathering.

This is social proof + community framing.

Goal

reduce the psychological barrier to participation.

It does not sound like a political demonstration, but rather like:

➡️ a community program.

Effect

People are more willing to attend.


5️⃣ Overemphasizing the “historic moment”

Excerpt

“the biggest ever”
“especially important now”

Technique

This is historic moment framing.

Goal

increase participation.

If something is presented as “historic,” people tend to feel:

➡️ “I have to be there.”


6️⃣ Merging multiple external enemies into one narrative

The text compresses several elements into a single storyline:

  • Ukraine
  • Zelensky
  • Brussels
  • Péter Magyar
  • energy prices
  • the Middle Eastern conflict

Technique

This is called an enemy coalition narrative.

It suggests that all of these actors are working together against Hungary.

Goal

simplify a complex geopolitical situation.

Effect

The reader may feel:

➡️ “everyone is against us.”

Exactly the feeling you described.


The overall narrative in short

The communication follows this structure:

1️⃣ external enemies threaten the country
2️⃣ a domestic political opponent cooperates with them
3️⃣ therefore the country is in danger
4️⃣ therefore people must stand with the government
5️⃣ therefore they should attend the Peace March

This is a classic mobilization campaign structure.


💡 Interesting paradox

While the narrative is about a “peace march,” the language relies heavily on words such as:

  • conflict
  • enemies
  • blackmail
  • betrayal

From a communication perspective this is common:

➡️ peace narratives are often built using conflict rhetoric.

balazska

🤡 Another day, another batch of nonsense from Ursula von der Leyen. She is turning energy into a political issue and in the process is destroying the European economy!

Von der Leyen and the entire Brussels establishment are pushing this crazy course at full throttle. Today she spoke about energy. And they keep repeating this expression: “we must diversify, we must diversify.” You could wake them up in the middle of the night and ask what should be done about oil and natural gas, and they would say the same thing: diversification.

But diversification actually means obtaining energy from as many sources as possible — more sources than we currently have — buying it, importing it, bringing it in from multiple suppliers.

Yet they use “diversification” to justify cutting off Russian energy. The most reliable and cheapest energy source available to Europe.

The same line is being pushed by the Tisza party as well — by their multinational-linked figures and their experts. They also want “diversification” in Hungary, which in practice means breaking away from Russian energy sources.

It is completely upside down logic. And it would be extremely harmful for all of Europe — and especially for what matters most to us: the Hungarian economy and the future of reduced household energy prices.

It would be severely damaging and have serious negative consequences if “diversification” meant cutting Hungary off from Russian energy.

1️⃣ Personal Discrediting (Ad Hominem Framing)

Excerpt

“Another day, another batch of nonsense from Ursula von der Leyen.”
“cretin nonsense”

Technique

The communication does not challenge the claim itself but attacks the person.

➡️ “talking nonsense”
➡️ “cretin”

This is a classic ad hominem attack.

Goal

  • to discredit the opponent
  • to simplify the policy debate

Effect

The reader’s attention shifts away from the policy issue (energy supply) and toward judging the person instead.


2️⃣ Semantic Reframing

Excerpt

“Diversification means obtaining energy from as many sources as possible.”

Then:

“Yet they use diversification to explain cutting off Russian energy sources.”

Technique

The speaker gives a narrow definition of diversification and then claims that EU policy contradicts it.

However, in energy policy the concept usually means:

➡️ reducing dependency
➡️ creating alternative supply routes
➡️ lowering geopolitical risk

It does not necessarily mean that every existing source must remain.

Goal

  • to portray EU policy as illogical
  • to create the impression in the audience that
    “this is completely absurd policy.”

Effect

A complex energy policy decision appears as a logical contradiction.


3️⃣ Economic Fear Framing

Excerpt

“It will destroy the European economy.”
“It would be terribly harmful.”

Technique

The use of dramatic economic consequences.

➡️ “destroy”
➡️ “terribly harmful”

Goal

  • to trigger economic fear
  • to elevate energy policy into an existential issue

Effect

The audience perceives the issue not as a technical energy policy debate but as a question of economic survival.


4️⃣ Oversimplified Causality

Excerpt

“If Hungary is cut off from Russian energy → the economy will suffer.”

Technique

Energy policy is a multi-factor system, but the communication reduces it to a single cause.

Real factors include for example:

  • global market prices
  • LNG markets
  • infrastructure
  • contracts
  • geopolitical risks

The narrative instead suggests:

➡️ one decision = economic decline

Goal

  • to create an easy-to-understand narrative
  • to enable rapid political mobilization

Effect

A complex economic process appears to be the direct consequence of one political decision.


5️⃣ Linking External Enemy and Domestic Opposition

Excerpt

“The same thing is pushed by TISZA’s multinational people and experts.”

Technique

The communication links a foreign actor (the EU) with a domestic political opponent (TISZA) in a single narrative.

This is a classic political technique:

➡️ “external pressure”
➡️ “internal collaborators”

Goal

  • to delegitimize the opposition
  • to frame the conflict in national terms

Effect

The reader may feel:

➡️ “Anyone who supports this is not representing Hungarian interests.”


6️⃣ National Economic Protection Narrative

Excerpt

“the Hungarian economy”
“the future of Hungary’s utility cost reduction policy”

Technique

The communication reframes the issue as a national welfare question.

➡️ household utility costs
➡️ national economy

Goal

  • to connect the topic directly to household finances

Effect

The energy policy debate becomes a personal financial issue for citizens.


Summary – Structure of the Narrative

The communication constructs a typical political narrative:

1️⃣ EU leaders are incompetent
2️⃣ Energy policy is illogical
3️⃣ Russian energy = cheap and reliable
4️⃣ Cutting it off = economic catastrophe
5️⃣ The opposition supports the same policy

This creates a strongly polarizing political framing.

alexa

Unacceptable! Former Ukrainian intelligence lieutenant general Grigory Omelchenko has threatened Viktor Orbán’s five children and six grandchildren with an “Ukrainian death squad” because the prime minister is defending the interests of the Hungarian people against Ukraine’s demands.

In an interview, he said that the unit created to liquidate Ukraine’s enemies knows everything about Viktor Orbán and his family, and that if he does not change his position, it could strike. He also added that he hopes for the victory of Péter Magyar.

Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in cooperation with the Tisza party and Brussels, is endangering Hungary’s energy security by blocking the Druzhba (Friendship) oil pipeline, while a former Ukrainian intelligence official openly threatens the Hungarian prime minister and his family.

Despite the pressure and blackmail, the national government says no to Kyiv’s demands. We will stay out of the war, we will not send money to Ukraine, and we will not give up cheap energy.

For us, Hungary comes first. Viktor Orbán and Fidesz are the safe choice.

An absolutely shocking development has taken place. Viktor Orbán has now not only been threatened personally, but also his children and six grandchildren — with the message that if he does not stop blocking Ukrainian interests in order to defend Hungarian interests, they could become targets.

1️⃣ Shock threat narrative (fear shock framing)

Excerpt

“Orbán Viktor’s five children and six grandchildren were threatened by a Ukrainian ‘death squad’.”

Technique

The communication relies on some of the strongest emotional triggers:

  • children
  • grandchildren
  • a death threat
  • secret services

This creates a dramatic shock opening that immediately provokes an emotional reaction.

Goal

  • to trigger instant outrage in the reader
  • to disable critical examination of the information
  • to elevate a political conflict into an existential threat

Effect

Instead of asking:

➡️ “Did this really happen?”

the reader is more likely to feel:

➡️ “If his family is threatened, then the country itself is under attack.”


2️⃣ Leader = nation fusion

Excerpt

“the prime minister is defending the interests of the Hungarian people”

Technique

The narrative merges:

  • Orbán Viktor as a person
  • the interests of Hungary

The formula becomes:

Orbán = Hungary

Thus the logic turns into:

➡️ Attack on Orbán = attack on Hungary

Goal

to transform political criticism or conflict into a national attack.

Effect

The reader may interpret it as:

➡️ “Anyone who attacks Orbán is attacking the Hungarian people.”


3️⃣ Construction of an external enemy coalition (enemy coalition framing)

Excerpt

“Zelensky working together with Tisza and Brussels”

Technique

Three actors are placed into a single hostile block:

  • Ukraine
  • the EU / Brussels
  • the Hungarian opposition

This creates a conspiracy-like coalition narrative.

Goal

to portray political opponents as serving foreign interests.

Effect

The reader may feel:

➡️ “This is not a domestic political debate, but foreign interference.”


4️⃣ Activation of energy security fears

Excerpt

“endangering Hungary’s energy security by blocking the Druzhba oil pipeline”

Technique

The message connects the conflict to everyday concerns:

  • fuel prices
  • household energy costs
  • utility bills

This is economic fear framing.

Goal

to translate a geopolitical conflict into a household-level threat.

Effect

The reader may interpret it as:

➡️ “If they win, energy will become expensive.”


5️⃣ Political ultimatum narrative

Excerpt

“Despite the blackmail…”

Technique

The story follows a classic structure:

1️⃣ external threat
2️⃣ blackmail
3️⃣ a strong leader resisting

This creates a hero narrative.

Goal

to present the government as a protector.

Effect

The political choice becomes a moral one:

➡️ “Voting for the government means defending the country.”


6️⃣ Campaign closing mobilization

Excerpt

“Orbán Viktor and Fidesz are the safe choice!”

Technique

The campaign message appears at the end of the story.

This follows a classic propaganda structure:

1️⃣ threat
2️⃣ enemy
3️⃣ hero
4️⃣ political solution

Goal

to convert emotional tension into electoral mobilization.

Effect

The reader may feel:

➡️ “This is not the time to take risks.”


Summary – structure of the narrative

The text follows a typical campaign propaganda dramaturgy:

1️⃣ shocking threat
2️⃣ involvement of family
3️⃣ construction of an external enemy
4️⃣ linking the opposition to that enemy
5️⃣ energy security fear
6️⃣ strong leader narrative
7️⃣ campaign closing message

This is emotionally mobilizing communication, not investigative or fact-based reporting.

balazska

I saved 1,000 forints on today’s fuel fill-up 😁 Go protected price! And this is something the Tisza party is attacking!

I got a receipt at the gas station. I filled 32 liters. The market price would have been 6.47 per liter today, and of course tomorrow it will probably be even higher. Thanks to the protected price, I saved 1,040 forints.

Yes, the math checks out: 32 forints saved per liter, and 32 × 32 gives roughly 1,000 forints, actually a bit more.

And this is exactly what the Tisza politicians are attacking. I see them all giving statements saying the protected price is bad and should be abolished.

If they came to power — which fortunately they won’t, because Hungarian people are smarter than that — they would have already abolished it.

1️⃣ Highlighting individual gain (micro-benefit framing)

Excerpt

“I saved 1,000 forints on today’s refueling.”

Technique

The communication emphasizes a specific, small personal gain.

➡️ 1,000 HUF
➡️ receipt
➡️ concrete calculation

This is psychologically powerful because:

  • people perceive tangible, immediate gains
  • they do not see the system-level costs

Economic reality

A price cap or “protected price” does not eliminate the cost, it only:

  • spreads it across the system
  • compensates it with state money
  • or other consumers pay for it

So the 1,000 HUF did not disappear, it was simply shifted somewhere else.

Effect

The reader feels:

➡️ “I won.”

What they do not see is:

➡️ “someone else paid for it.”


2️⃣ Visible receipt → illusion of credibility

Excerpt

“I got a receipt… 32 liters… 32 forints per liter.”

Technique

This is what can be called the “illusion of evidence.”

The receipt is:

  • real
  • calculable
  • visible

This creates the feeling:

➡️ “this is objective proof.”

In reality, however, it only shows the surface.

The receipt does not show, for example:

  • state compensation
  • financing through the tax system
  • supply distortions

3️⃣ Making the cost invisible

Technique

The communication completely omits that a price cap always has a cost.

Possible sources:

1️⃣ state budget

→ paid by taxpayers

2️⃣ oil companies / gas stations

→ prices raised elsewhere

3️⃣ later price increases

→ market distortions

This is a classic hidden-cost technique.


4️⃣ Inserting a political enemy

Excerpt

“the Tisza supporters are attacking this”

Technique

An economic issue is turned into a political identity conflict.

The implied message:

  • us → cheap fuel
  • them → expensive fuel

This simplifies the debate.

In reality, the real question is:

➡️ who pays the difference.


5️⃣ “The people are with us” narrative

Excerpt

“Hungarian people are smarter than that.”

Technique

This is the so-called popular legitimacy formula.

The communication suggests:

➡️ “the people agree with us.”

This frames:

  • criticism as elite opinion
  • support as the will of the people

The economic logic in short

The story actually looks like this:

Balázs refuels:

32 liters × 32 HUF ≈ 1,000 HUF gain

But somewhere in the system:

  • the state pays
  • oil companies pay
  • other consumers pay

The money does not disappear.

It is simply redistributed.


The core of the propaganda

The narrative suggests:

➡️ “the government is giving you money.”

The reality is closer to:

➡️ “the system rearranges who pays for the fuel.”

balazska

According to Index, I cannot win the election in North Pest. Of course I can!! If the voters of the Brussels parties make a mistake, I will be the laughing third 😁 #northpest #pestujhely

What do you think about the Index article claiming that there is no scenario in which I could win here in North Pest? Actually, there is — let me show you.

I’ll draw it on the back of this defective poster.

According to the current polls, the strong candidate here in North Pest is Balázs Barkóczi. I’m just slightly behind him — Balázs Németh. And here are the others: Tisza, Mi Hazánk, and the Two-Tailed Dog Party.

And the scenario that would favor me is the following: if Tisza voters make the tactical mistake of getting carried away by enthusiasm and vote for their own candidate in the individual district instead of supporting Balázs Barkóczi, the locally strong Brussels-aligned left-wing candidate, then I will be the laughing third. 😁

1️⃣ “Hostile media” framing

Excerpt

“According to Index, I cannot win the election in North Pest.”

Technique

The politician presents a media article as a hostile actor.

➡️ “according to Index…”
➡️ “I cannot win”

This suggests that the media is not an objective analyst, but a political opponent.

Goal

  • to discredit negative media coverage
  • to mobilize the candidate’s own supporters
  • to portray criticism as a hostile attack

Effect

Supporters may develop the feeling that:

➡️ “the media is working against us.”

This is a classic populist media-framing technique.


2️⃣ “Us vs. Brussels parties” framing (us-vs-them framing)

Excerpt

“If the voters of the Brussels parties make a mistake…”

Technique

Opponents are grouped under a single negative label:

➡️ “Brussels parties”

This simplifies the political landscape.

Goal

  • to delegitimize opponents
  • to frame the political conflict as a national struggle

Effect

Readers may form the impression that:

➡️ “they represent Brussels, not Hungary.”


3️⃣ Manipulation of tactical voting (strategic voting framing)

Excerpt

“If Tisza voters make the mistake of voting for their own candidate…”

Technique

The politician does not emphasize his own program, but focuses on the mathematics of the election.

➡️ tactical mistake
➡️ vote splitting
➡️ “laughing third”

Goal

  • to portray the election as a strategic game
  • to create uncertainty among opposition voters

Effect

A voter might start thinking:

➡️ “maybe I really would be making a tactical mistake.”


4️⃣ The “laughing third” narrative (underdog comeback)

Excerpt

“I will be the laughing third.”

Technique

The candidate portrays himself as an underdog with a potential comeback.

This is a common campaign device:

➡️ “I’m not leading right now”
➡️ “but there is a path to victory”

Goal

  • to energize the candidate’s supporters
  • to challenge the perception that the race is already decided

Effect

Supporters may feel:

➡️ “the election is still open.”


5️⃣ “Drawn explanation” populist visualization (simplified visual politics)

Excerpt

“I’ll draw it on the back of a defective poster.”

Technique

The politician explains politics with a simple drawing.

This is a deliberate communication tool:

➡️ informal
➡️ direct
➡️ “people-style” presentation

Goal

  • to make electoral mathematics easy to understand
  • to build a direct, non-elitist image

Effect

The message spreads more easily on social media.


Overall picture

Balázs’s message is not about policy, but about three main narratives:

1️⃣ Hostile media (Index)
2️⃣ Brussels vs. the national side
3️⃣ Tactical voting → the “laughing third”

This is a typical campaign rhetoric, where:

  • media criticism → is framed as an attack
  • opponents → are linked to an external power
  • the election → is presented as a strategic game.

alexa

The Hungarian Parliament stands on the side of the Hungarian people, while the Ukrainian ambassador is simply outraged!

Yesterday, Parliament declared that Hungary does not support Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, and thus we continue to stand up for Hungarian interests, for peace, and for security. We will not allow pro-war forces to send our money to Ukraine, and we will not allow anyone to drag us into this senseless war or to cut us off from cheap Russian energy.

This is what the Ukrainian ambassador considers “shameful.” Sándor Fegyir finds a step that protects Hungarian families, young people, and pensioners unacceptable — but we will not bow to any external demands.

While TISZA would fulfill the expectations of Zelensky and Brussels, the national government will continue to stand up for the peace and security of our country. That is why Fidesz is the reliable choice.


Subtitle translation

Zelensky must have had quite a bad start to his morning today, and he probably wants Péter Magyar to win more than ever. Yesterday the Hungarian Parliament made a decision and said no to Ukraine’s EU accession, said no to prolonging the war, and said no to abandoning Russian energy.

The Ukrainian ambassador said this was shameful. Well, we think what is truly shameful is when someone does not represent the interests of their own country.

That is what the election in April will be about: whether a Hungarian parliament capable of governing remains in power, or whether a parliament will come that in reality represents Ukrainian interests. That is what is at stake on April 12.

1️⃣ National Side vs. External Enemy (us vs. them framing)

Excerpt

“The National Assembly stands on the side of the Hungarians, while the Ukrainian ambassador is simply raging.”

Technique

The communication divides the world into two camps:

➡️ Hungarians
➡️ Ukrainians / external actors

This is a classic “us vs. them” framing.

Goal

  • to transform a political conflict into a national conflict
  • to present criticism as a foreign attack

Effect

The reader may feel that:

➡️ “anyone who disagrees with the government is against Hungarians.”


2️⃣ Activation of War Fear (fear framing)

Excerpt

“We will not allow them to drag us into this senseless war.”

Technique

The communication suggests that:

➡️ political opponents
➡️ or foreign actors

would drag Hungary into a war.

This is a classic security-based fear framing.

Goal

  • to activate voters’ security fears
  • to present the political choice as a life-and-death issue

Effect

The reader may feel that:

➡️ “if another government comes to power, there will be war.”


3️⃣ Economic Fear – Energy Narrative

Excerpt

“to detach us from cheap Russian energy”

Technique

Energy prices are used as a political tool:

➡️ cheap energy
➡️ expensive energy
➡️ protection of families

Goal

to frame the election as a cost-of-living issue.

Effect

The reader may feel that:

➡️ “if there is political change, energy will become expensive.”


4️⃣ Foreign Interference Narrative

Excerpt

“Zelensky wants Péter Magyar’s victory more than ever.”

Technique

The communication suggests that:

➡️ a foreign leader
➡️ wants to influence the Hungarian election.

This is a classic foreign interference narrative.

Goal

to weaken the legitimacy of the opposition.

Effect

The reader may feel that:

➡️ “the opposition does not represent Hungarian interests.”


5️⃣ Moral Reversal (shame reversal)

Excerpt

“The Ukrainian ambassador said it is shameful.”
“Well, according to us, what is truly shameful is…”

Technique

The communication reverses the criticism:

➡️ the original criticism
➡️ becomes a moral attack against the opponent

Goal

to neutralize the criticism.

Effect

The reader no longer examines the original issue, but focuses on the moral conflict instead.


6️⃣ Electoral Ultimatum (binary choice framing)

Excerpt

“This will be the stake on April 12.”

Technique

The election is reduced to two options:

1️⃣ Hungarian interests
2️⃣ Ukrainian interests

This is a false dilemma.

Goal

to simplify political complexity.

Effect

The reader may feel that:

➡️ “there are only two possible choices.”


Summary

The core narrative of the text is:

“The government protects Hungarians, while the opposition serves foreign interests.”

To support this narrative, several propaganda tools are combined:

  • national vs. external enemy framing
  • war-related fear
  • energy price fear
  • foreign interference narrative
  • moral reversal
  • false electoral dilemma

This is a classic election campaign message built on three strong emotional pillars:

⚠️ security
⚠️ sovereignty
⚠️ economic fear.

alexa

Let us stand together for Hungary — let’s meet in large numbers on Sunday at the Peace March!

This will be the most important Peace March so far, as the election is approaching and the stakes are enormous. President Zelensky is trying to blackmail our country with an oil blockade, while Péter Magyar is cooperating with him in an attempt to bring about a change of government.

Let us show that Hungary cannot be blackmailed and that we stand with the national government and with peace.

🟠 Let’s meet on March 15 at the Peace March, and afterwards at Kossuth Square!

This week will see the largest Peace March ever. In five days, on March 15, the biggest and most important Peace March of all time will arrive here at Kossuth Square. The election is around the corner and the stakes are enormous. President Zelensky is trying to break our country with an oil blockade.

We must stand up together for Hungary and show that Hungary says no to Ukrainian blackmail. In other words, your country needs you.

See you on March 15 at the Peace March and afterwards here at Kossuth Square.

1️⃣ Patriotic Mobilization

Excerpt

“Let us stand together for Hungary.”
“Let’s show that Hungary cannot be blackmailed.”

Technique

Political participation is framed as a patriotic duty.

➡️ standing up for Hungary
➡️ acting together
➡️ saying no

Goal

To elevate the political event (the Peace March) into a national obligation.

Effect

The reader may feel that:

➡️ “If I don’t go, I’m not standing up for my country.”


2️⃣ External Enemy Framing

Excerpt

“Zelensky is trying to blackmail our country with an oil blockade.”

Technique

A foreign actor is portrayed as a threatening enemy.

➡️ blackmail
➡️ blockade
➡️ breaking Hungary

Goal

To present the situation as an international attack on Hungary.

Effect

The reader may feel that:

➡️ Hungary is under external pressure.


3️⃣ Linking the Domestic Opponent with a Foreign Enemy (Enemy Coalition)

Excerpt

“And Péter Magyar is cooperating with him.”

Technique

The communication connects a foreign leader with a domestic political opponent.

➡️ Zelensky
➡️ Péter Magyar

Goal

To portray the opposition as serving foreign interests.

Effect

The reader may conclude that:

➡️ “The opposition is working for outside interests.”


4️⃣ Dramatizing Existential Stakes (High-Stakes Framing)

Excerpt

“The election is approaching and the stakes are enormous.”

Technique

The political moment is presented as a decisive historical turning point.

➡️ the most important Peace March
➡️ enormous stakes

Goal

To create urgency and encourage participation.

Effect

The reader may feel that:

➡️ action must be taken now.


5️⃣ Message Repetition

Excerpt

The text repeatedly mentions:

➡️ “Peace March”
➡️ “March 15”
➡️ “Kossuth Square”

Technique

The message is reinforced through constant repetition.

Goal

To ensure that the time and location of the event are clearly remembered.

Effect

The information becomes easier to retain.


6️⃣ Collective Duty Framing

Excerpt

“Your homeland needs you.”

Technique

Political participation is framed as a personal duty.

Goal

To evoke a sense of individual responsibility.

Effect

The reader may feel that:

➡️ they personally must take part.


Summary

This text is a classic mobilization campaign message built on three core narratives:

1️⃣ Hungary is under attack
2️⃣ Foreign and domestic enemies are cooperating
3️⃣ Attending the Peace March is a patriotic duty

The communication aims to:

➡️ create emotional mobilization
➡️ increase political participation
➡️ build a clear enemy narrative.