Divided Loyalties: The Complex Sentiments in Berehove Amid Hungary's Election

The parliamentary election in Hungary, where Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party faces scrutiny for its Kremlin-friendly stance and opposition to Ukraine, has stirred complex sentiments in Berehove, a town in Ukraine with deep historical ties to Hungary. While many across Ukraine hope for Orbán's defeat, residents in Berehove exhibit a more nuanced perspective, reflecting their intertwined lives with Hungary.

Berehove, known as Beregszász in Hungarian, has a long history of shifting governance, having been part of Hungary for centuries before transitioning through Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union to become part of independent Ukraine in 1991. This historical backdrop contributes to the town's current political sentiments, as many residents maintain connections to Hungary, including holding dual citizenship.

In Berehove, opinions about Orbán are divided. Some residents express support for his government, citing tangible investments in local infrastructure, such as schools and community centers. Boris Vashkeba, a local lawyer and head of a Hungarian community organization, noted that Orbán's administration has provided significant support, which resonates with the community. However, others, like Artúr, criticize Orbán for corruption and his stance towards Ukraine, advocating for a change in leadership.

The political climate in Berehove mirrors the divisions seen in Hungary itself. While some residents quietly support Orbán, others are frustrated by his government's rhetoric and actions that have strained relations with Ukraine. Critics argue that Orbán has exaggerated grievances to justify his opposition to Kyiv, complicating the local sentiment further. Despite these tensions, many residents emphasize their desire for unity, with one stating, “Politics are heated, but here in Berehove we live together.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sought to foster unity among the Hungarian community in Ukraine, recently visiting Berehove to acknowledge their contributions and express gratitude for their solidarity. This visit underscores Kyiv's efforts to project cohesion amid the electoral backdrop in Hungary.

Orbán's critics, both in Hungary and Ukraine, argue that his government’s actions have exacerbated tensions between the two nations. Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s foreign minister, has been quoted discussing the perceived persecution of Hungarian rights in Ukraine, which critics claim is used to justify Hungary's opposition to Ukraine's EU accession and its blocking of a €90 billion EU financial package essential for Ukraine's war efforts.

As the election approaches, local leaders like Vashkeba express hope for a reset in relations between Kyiv and Budapest. He stated, “When Ukraine and Hungary, two nations that have both suffered at the hands of Russia, are set against each other, it is Moscow that ultimately benefits.” This sentiment reflects a broader desire among Berehove's residents for improved ties, regardless of the electoral outcome in Hungary.

• “Politics are heated, but here in Berehove we live together.” — Artúr, Berehove Resident

• “We need a restart in relations; it can’t go on like this,” — Boris Vashkeba, Lawyer and Community Leader

• “There is no discrimination here at all.” — Local Resident

• “We celebrate both Orthodox and Catholic Easter, and we like it this way.” — Natália, Berehove Resident