US Senators Concerned About Orbán Cabinet’s Threat to Transatlantic Security
A bipartisan delegation of the US Senate is currently in Hungary conducting an investigation into several critical issues. This includes an examination of Hungary’s NATO policy, the Swedish NATO accession, and other controversial topics. The delegation has expressed concerns that the Hungarian government’s actions may have compromised Transatlantic security at a crucial moment for European peace and stability. As a result, they intend to submit a resolution to the Congress outlining their findings and recommendations.
The visit of the delegation has sparked a strong reaction from Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, who has emphasized that Hungary is a sovereign nation and decried what he perceives as misinformation being spread about his country in the United States.
According to reports, a Democrat and Republican senator are prepared to present a resolution to the Congress condemning the Hungarian government’s Russia-friendly policies and urging Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to support Sweden’s NATO accession. The resolution is said to criticize the Hungarian government for dismantling democratic institutions, influencing media, and restricting civic rights.
Specifically, Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis have raised concerns about Orbán’s management of the pandemic, the conflict in Ukraine, and migration using decrees due to the supermajority his party holds in the parliament. Additionally, they have expressed unease about Hungary’s close ties to Russia and China, along with measures taken by the Orbán cabinet to obstruct EU sanctions against Russia.
In response, the Swedish foreign minister has called for Hungary to endorse Stockholm’s NATO bid, while Orbán himself has indicated that the Hungarian parliament will likely do so in February.
The US Ambassador to Hungary, David Pressman, greeted the visiting senators at Budapest Airport, highlighting the importance of the delegation’s discussions and the ongoing relationship between the two countries.
The delegation’s visit and the potential consequences of their resolution are likely to be a focal point of international relations in the coming weeks and months. It remains to be seen how Hungary will respond to the concerns raised by the bipartisan US Senate delegation and the impact it may have on Transatlantic relations.
