Fidesz criticizes EU response to Hungarian political changes

Fidesz representatives have criticized the European Union and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding the political situation in Hungary under the Tisza government. During a session in the European Parliament, Fidesz MP Csaba Dömötör questioned the effectiveness of the EU’s ‘democracy shield’ program. He argued that while the EU claims to protect against external interference, it has failed to react to domestic changes in Hungary, such as the 17th amendment to the Fundamental Law which imposes a 12-year term limit on parliamentary mandates. Dömötör noted that this rule could prevent a significant portion of opposition representatives from running in the next election.

Additionally, Fidesz has accused von der Leyen of endorsing a ‘Brussels-Tisza pact’ following her State of the Union address. The party claims the Commission President’s comments regarding progress in fundamental rights and the unlocking of investment funds in Hungary constitute a form of financial support for the current government in exchange for political concessions. While von der Leyen stated that Hungary is returning to the heart of the EU and showing progress in fighting corruption and protecting academic freedom, Fidesz maintains that these developments serve to consolidate the power of the Tisza administration.