Hungary: In a State of Emergency and Still Unresolved
Hungarian Parliament Approves Extension of State of Emergency and Military Mission to Chad
The Hungarian Parliament has passed a motion approving the extension of the state of emergency declared in connection with the war in Ukraine. The amendment authorizes the government to extend the state of emergency by 180 days, aiming to manage the fallout of the ongoing conflict and the resulting humanitarian crisis in Hungary. The vote resulted in 131 members of Parliament supporting the extension, 52 opposing it, and one abstention.
Since its initial declaration in May 2022, the state of emergency has been extended multiple times by the Hungarian government. The extension highlights the continued need to address the challenges and implications of the war in Ukraine.
In other news, the proposal on Sweden’s accession to NATO has yet to be included in the Hungarian Parliament’s agenda, despite being pending for almost 16 months. Hungary’s delayed response in clearing the path for Sweden’s accession suggests that it may be the last country to resolve this obstacle.
Prime Minister Orbán emphasized the importance of having a plan B for Ukraine, stating that the country will not achieve victory solely through military means. He stressed the need for the European Union to develop alternative strategies to address the situation.
Hungary also expressed its condolences to the leaders of Transcarpathia for their losses in the war against Russia. This gesture highlights Hungary’s solidarity and support for those affected by the conflict.
Additionally, Parliament approved a Hungarian military mission to Chad, with up to 200 soldiers expected to serve from the spring of next year. The mission aims to contribute to international peace and security, combat terrorism, and stabilize the Sahel region. By doing so, Hungary hopes to mitigate illegal migration pressures on Europe. The mission is a response to an invitation from Chad’s president and is set to continue until December 31, 2025.
The Hungarian Parliament’s recent decisions underscore the country’s commitment to addressing both regional and international challenges, while also extending its support to those affected by conflicts in neighboring countries.
