The European Parliament is debating whether Hungary has done enough to receive €7.5 billion from the EU Cohesion Fund. Before that, the country first had to make improvements to improve the corruption in the country and the rule of law. The country has now quickly implemented some reforms, but according to Hungary correspondent Stefan Bos, the question is whether the money will come. According to Bos, many MEPs feel blackmailed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
According to Bos, the Hungarians think the money is ready, «because since this weekend they have set up an anti-corruption agency. They’ve had twelve years to do it, which is a bit late. It was also decided to make the courts more independent.”
Hungarian blackmail
According to Bos, the European Commission is mainly concerned that Hungary will block some sanctions against Russia. And not only that: Hungary is also against the global minimum corporate tax and 18 billion in aid to Ukraine. “If they get that money, Hungary will tack, or so they think.” But many MEPs believe that the Commission is bowing too much to Orbán and that Hungary is getting away with what they call blackmail.
Orbán, meanwhile, desperately needs that money: there are daily protests against the deteriorating economy and for more freedoms. Inflation is now at 20%. ‘Orbán feels the hot breath on his neck,’ says Bos, who thinks he may still get tense and wonders if he will get the money given all the opposition in parliament.
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
