Orban's party in Hungary boycotts Sweden's NATO accession talks

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's party lawmakers boycotted an emergency session of parliament where a vote was planned to place Sweden's NATO accession bid on the legislative agenda.

Six opposition parties supported the session held in parliament, but Fidesz lawmakers did not attend.

By doing so, the lawmakers thwarted the attempt to bring the vote to the legislative assembly's agenda.

AMBASSADORS FROM NATO MEMBER COUNTRIES ATTENDED THE SESSION

The ruling Fidesz party, which holds an absolute majority in parliament, has stalled Sweden's bid since July 2022, claiming that Swedish politicians have told "blatant lies" about the state of Hungarian democracy.

Numerous ambassadors from NATO member countries, including US Ambassador David Pressman, attended the session.

Pressman noted that the US expects to "closely monitor this issue and for Hungary to act quickly."

Following the session, Agnes Vadai, a lawmaker from the liberal Democratic Coalition party, said that Orban's behavior has put Hungary in a "very humiliating position" and that there is "no reason" for his government to block Sweden's NATO membership.

"I think this is very personal for Orban, and what he is doing despite all the pressure coming in is also very irrational. He himself should understand that (Sweden's membership) would serve the interests and security of Hungarian society," she said.

PARLIAMENT DEADLOCKED

In a statement, Fidesz indicated that the ratification of Sweden's NATO membership could take place during the parliament's regular session, stating, "However, we expect Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to visit Hungary first."

The party's statement said, "If this is an important issue for the Swedes, the Swedish prime minister will of course come to Budapest."

Kristersson had stated that he would only make this visit after Hungary ratifies his country's NATO membership.

The Hungarian parliament is scheduled to reconvene on February 26.

News Source: 12punto