Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has once again targeted Sweden, comparing crime statistics between the two countries. His claims, including 317 gang-related explosions in Sweden last year, are disputed by Swedish police data. The exchange follows a heated debate with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who criticized Orbán's remarks as 'outrageous lies'.
Viktor Orbán Criticizes Sweden Again Amid Rising Tensions
Viktor Orbán Criticizes Sweden Again Amid Rising Tensions
Following Monday's verbal clash between Hungary's leader Viktor Orbán and Ulf Kristersson, Orbán has once again launched an attack.
The Hungarian Prime Minister presented a comparison between Hungary and Sweden, listing figures on explosions and firearm-related murders. The source and accuracy of his statistics remain unclear.
Orbán claims that 317 gang-related explosions occurred in Sweden last year. According to police statistics, 129 explosions took place in 2024. Including attempts and preparations, the total reaches 317. The police statistics do not specify how many are linked to criminal gangs.
Refers to Kristersson: “He Admits”
He also refers to a statement made by Ulf Kristersson on January 30 this year, which Orbán seems to view as an admission:
“It is completely obvious that we have no control over the wave of violence.”
Kristersson said verbatim:
- That we have no control over the wave of violence is quite obvious, said the Prime Minister after a January marked by several explosions.
23 explosions occurred in Sweden in January this year, according to police statistics. This is slightly fewer than Orbán's claim of 32.
Orbán reiterates his earlier comments about the collapse of the rule of law in Sweden and accuses the Swedish government of hypocrisy when lecturing Hungary on legal principles.
Dispute Began on Monday
The dispute between Orbán and Kristersson erupted on Monday after Orbán posted on X, claiming Sweden is in a 'collapse'.
Kristersson quickly responded, calling Orbán's claims 'outrageous lies'.
“It is not surprising that it comes from a man who is dismantling the rule of law in his own country. Orbán is desperate ahead of the upcoming election in Hungary,” the Prime Minister further wrote.