World
October 9, 2024 07:00
strasbourg - EU parliamentarians are gearing up for a confrontational session with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who is set to deliver a speech amidst mounting criticism and accusations of corruption.
Politicians from center-right to far-left are planning to launch a frontal attack on the enfant terrible of Brussels on Wednesday. They accuse Hungary, one of the biggest recipients of EU subsidies, of corruption and express serious concerns over the erosion of the rule of law.
Hungary holds the EU Council presidency for six months. As per tradition, the head of government is allowed to address the European Parliament to outline priorities. The Orbán show kicked off on Tuesday. During a two-hour press conference, Orbán emphasized EU expansion with the Balkans, negotiations with Russia on peace in Ukraine, strict measures on migration, and fewer European regulations.
The Prime Minister presented a detailed analysis of when things went wrong in Brussels. 'Brexit changed everything. The balance is gone. The Brits were strong enough to halt a federal Europe,' Orbán said. He talks about a 'mainstream elite' that refuses to heed the people's desire for peace, fewer regulations, and migrants. 'Strasbourg and Brussels want to maintain the status quo. If they don't want to change, they should leave, but they can also be part of the change.'
The European Parliament has long been one of Orbán's fiercest critics. Upon the Prime Minister's arrival, left-wing politicians were already armed with signs saying 'stop the stealing,' referring to numerous allegations of misuse of EU subsidies. A photo exhibition with concrete examples has been set up in the European Parliament. Visitors can admire a wooden walkway that should overlook a forest. In reality, the long bridge, possibly funded with 1622 euros per meter, stands on a piece of undeveloped land.
Orbán's press conference is briefly interrupted by an angry Hungarian activist. Security guards quickly subdue the man. Orbán responds coolly, 'The Hungarian language is very direct. If someone calls a politician an a**hole, it means: 'I disagree with you.'' Critical questions, even from rare Hungarian opposition media about Chinese money flowing to the Orbán family, are easily deflected by the longest-serving EU leaders.
He praised Dutch PVV leader Geert Wilders, the Dutch voters 'who turned against the elite,' and the request for an opt-out on migration policy. According to him, Europe needs 'strong leaders.' 'Make sure you have a majority at home, that's my advice,' he says with a smile.
Following his speech on Wednesday, MEPs will have the opportunity to address him. It won't be a pleasant encounter. CDA's Jeroen Lenaers is one of the speakers. 'Orbán's attitude towards Europe is undoubtedly hypocritical,' he says. 'When it suits his narrative, the EU is the great enemy, but when money is being distributed in Brussels, he is at the front of the line.'
GL's Tineke Strik has been assigned by the European Parliament to investigate the situation in Hungary. She expects Orbán not to address corruption and propaganda. Strik says, 'Humanitarian organizations are victims of smear campaigns; he rules by decree, and justice is not independent.' Orbán shrugs, 'She's leftist. It's pure propaganda.'