TL;DR
George Soros views Viktor Orban as the architect of a mafia state who undermines open society with populist, anti-migrant rhetoric.
Key Points
He accused Orban of setting up an elaborate kleptocratic system to rob Hungary blind, which spurred a veto threat against the EU budget in 2020.
The financier stated he previously supported Orban because he was an active supporter of open society, but later called him an exploiter and creator of a mafia state.
Soros has decried attacks against him by the Hungarian government as reminiscent of antisemitic rhetoric from the 1930s, particularly when targeting his Jewish background.
Summary
George Soros considers Viktor Orban to be a primary antagonist, viewing him as having transformed Hungary into a "mafia state" through the exploitation of state apparatus and extensive propaganda. The core of the conflict, as Soros perceives it, stems from Orban's nationalist, illiberal agenda, which directly opposes the cosmopolitan, pro-democracy, and open society ideals that Soros champions through his foundations. Soros has accused Orban of using conspiratorial and sometimes antisemitic rhetoric, even employing textbook antisemitic tropes to describe his enemies, in order to solidify political power and deflect from domestic issues.
This adversarial relationship has a complex history, as the philanthropist initially supported Orban and other Hungarian officials in the late 1980s and early 1990s when they were advocates for democratic transition away from communism. However, the relationship soured significantly around 2015, when Orban began actively framing Soros as a scapegoat for the refugee crisis and an agent of global elites intent on destroying the nation-state through migration and cosmopolitan values. Soros remains a vocal defender of European unity and open systems, frequently speaking out against the anti-EU, anti-migration policies advanced by the Hungarian leader.
Frequently Asked Questions
George Soros is a strong critic of Viktor Orban, frequently accusing him of building an illiberal, potentially mafia-like state in Hungary. Soros views Orban’s policies as a direct threat to the open society ideals he supports globally.
Orban has successfully framed George Soros as the ideal enemy, portraying him as a leader of a global elite trying to undermine the Hungarian nation-state. This tactic, which uses anti-globalist and anti-migrant sentiment, has significantly aided Orban's electoral success.
Yes, Soros has confirmed that his foundation provided support and scholarships to Orban and other Hungarian officials in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This support ended as Orban's political alignment shifted away from democratic principles.
Sources7
George Soros: “I am proud of the enemies I have” – European Council on Foreign Relations
George Soros Accuses Viktor Orban of Turning Hungary Into Mafia State
George Soros: Orbán turns to familiar scapegoat as Hungary rows with EU
Orbán vs. Soros: The Four-Decade Duel Between Viktor Orbán & George Soros
George Soros decries Hungary's Orban for anti-Semitic attacks reminiscent of the 1930s
Orban’s Soros Campaign Is Back for the European Elections
George Soros and Viktor Orbán: The battle between progressivism and populism
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.