War of words: Orban’s visit sparks a political boxing match in the EU Parliament

War of words
Orban’s visit sparks political boxing match in the EU Parliament

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and several MEPs met with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbans delivered a heated exchange in the European Parliament. The allegations: nepotism, misuse of EU funds and Hungary as a gateway for Russian and Chinese interests. In Strasbourg, Orban criticized what he saw as a failed EU migration policy. He sees lies and propaganda in the criticism of the speakers – which came from the ranks of the Christian Democrats, Liberals and Social Democrats, among others. “It is a kind of intifada that is being organized here,” said the head of government.

Von der Leyen takes Orban seriously

In her almost ten-minute speech, von der Leyen delivered one attack after the next: The Hungarian government had released smugglers from prison early, allowed Russians into the country without additional security checks and allowed the Chinese police to work in Hungary. “This is not a defense of Europe’s sovereignty. This is a back door for foreign interference,” said the top German politician. Orban is just throwing his problems over the fence to his neighbors.

Von der Leyen is largely expressing the same criticism that was also heard from the ranks of large parliamentary groups. In the coming weeks, the CDU politician will still need their support so that Parliament can give the green light to her proposal for the composition of the future EU Commission.

The European Commission, non-governmental organizations and MEPs have long accused Hungary of violating European values. Criticism includes, among other things, a lack of the rule of law and the restriction of freedom of expression. The ECJ recently ruled that Hungary was not complying with EU law and imposed a fine worth millions.

Relationship with Russia under criticism

Von der Leyen indirectly accused Orban of not keeping his word. After Russia’s attack on Ukraine, all EU heads of state and government decided to become less dependent on Russian energy and to look for alternatives. However, one member state in particular was only looking for alternatives as to how it could continue to buy Russian energy.

Orban also attacked critics by name. In his final statement, Orban described German MP Daniel Freund (Greens) as the “most corrupt person on earth” because he used money from Jewish US billionaire George Soros to report on Hungary. The Hungarian government repeatedly stirs up sentiment against the Hungarian Holocaust survivor Soros, including with anti-Semitic stereotypes. Freund is one of Orban’s most vehement opponents in the EU Parliament. The FDP MP Moritz Körner sees Orban as a “useful idiot for China” and Russia who is acting against the interests of the EU. “The majority of EU MPs only see Orban as a corrupt would-be autocrat.”

Orban puts migration as a priority

In his opening speech, Orban called for regular summit meetings of the heads of state and government of the Schengen states in response to “illegal migration” to the EU. There is a risk that the Schengen area, which is actually free of border controls, will break up. 25 of the 27 EU member states as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are currently participating. Specifically, Orban wants to have asylum procedures carried out in external “hotspots” in countries outside the EU.

Illegal migration leads to growing anti-Semitism, growing violence against women and growing homophobia, Orban claimed. The migration pressure that has been growing for years is a significant burden – especially for member states with an EU external border. The current European asylum system simply does not work.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen replied in a speech that everyone understands that migration is a European challenge that requires a European solution. But there is the new migration and asylum package, which now needs to be implemented.

dpa