European member states are not happy with next year’s Hungarian presidency of the European Union. This has everything to do with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s anti-European attitude. He not only threatens European unity, but also erodes the rule of law in his own country. According to an MEP and former MEP, it is no surprise that a discussion on the matter is now breaking out.
Although you say that it has never happened before that a country has been given the presidency, you can well understand the sentiment of other member states. “In Hungary, for example, EU funds have been frozen in connection with corruption and criminal cases have been ongoing for four years for serious violations of the rule of law,” explains Piri. ‘Also, Hungary has a very pro-Russian attitude towards Ukraine. So it’s no surprise that this discussion has erupted.’
‘It’s no surprise that this discussion broke out’
He also points out that there is no law preventing the EU from stripping Hungary of the presidency, even though it is intended that all 27 member states have their turn. “They have agreed on this, but when Germany – not least – supports this discussion and the call of the European Parliament, it must be possible to guarantee that Hungary does not get the presidency”. Piri also hopes that the Netherlands will support Germany in the discussion.
Hungary is furious
According to Hungary correspondent Stefan Bos, the Hungarian government reacted angrily to the news from the European Union. Hungary’s Justice Minister, Judit Varga, says that “a left-wing majority in the European Parliament does not like Hungary’s pro-peace stance”, “and this obviously concerns the stance towards Ukraine”, explains Bos. “Hungary doesn’t want to send arms and the European Union is also blocking it.”
According to Bos, Varga also said that the European Union “is itself afraid” that Hungary, as president, wants to investigate whether the European Parliament respects democracy and the rule of law. “These are his statements, with which he takes an advance on the account.”
Source: BNR
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