Estonian Government Accuses PM Orban of Being Part of Putin’s Team, Hungary’s Voting Right at Risk – Update: FM Sijjártó Involved
Political Tensions Rise as Baltic Countries and Poland Criticize Hungarian Government
In recent weeks, politicians from the Baltic countries and Poland have been openly criticizing the Hungarian government for its perceived “pro-Putin” stance. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna went as far as to label Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as a member of Putin’s team, sparking controversy and debates within the European Union.
Tsahkna emphasized the importance of European unity in the face of Russian aggression and highlighted the need for unanimous votes to strengthen Europe’s defense against Moscow’s growing threat. He pointed out that Hungary’s alignment with Russia was creating division within the EU and suggested that Hungary might even lose its voting rights in the EU Council if it continues down this path.
The Estonian foreign minister’s comments have not gone unnoticed, with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó firing back on social media, calling Tsahkna one of Europe’s most “fanatical pro-war voices” for his stance on the conflict in Ukraine. The back-and-forth between the two diplomats underscores the deepening rift within the EU over Hungary’s perceived closeness to Russia.
The issue of Hungary’s EU voting rights has also surfaced in discussions within the German government coalition, with concerns about member states that violate the EU’s fundamental values. Hungary’s access to billions of euros in recovery and development funds has already been impacted by rule of law concerns, further complicating its relationship with other EU members.
As tensions continue to simmer, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and whether Hungary will face any consequences for its perceived alignment with Russia. The divide within the EU over this issue underscores the challenges of maintaining unity in the face of external threats and internal disagreements.
