Orbán and von der Leyen clash in heated parliament debate
In a heated debate at the European Parliament, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen clashed over crucial issues affecting Europe’s future. This confrontation highlighted deep ideological divides. Both leaders expressed starkly opposing views on Russia’s war in Ukraine, economic strategies, and migration policies.
Ukraine war responses
Orbán criticized the EU’s strategy regarding the Ukraine conflict, calling it “poorly planned and poorly implemented.” He urged the bloc to reconsider its approach, advocating for resumed communication with the Kremlin. This stance reflects his controversial July visit to Moscow. “The European Union has mistaken policy when it comes to this war,” he stated. Therefore, insisted that a change in strategy is vital for success.
In stark contrast, von der Leyen condemned the stance of Orbán, asserting, “There are still some who blame this war not on the invader but on the invaded.” She drew parallels between the current situation and historical invasions, asking rhetorically if Hungarians would accept being blamed for the Soviet invasion of 1956. “The people of Ukraine are freedom fighters,” she emphasized, defending Ukraine’s right to sovereignty and freedom.
Economic competitiveness
As the debate shifted to economic matters, Orbán raised alarms about the EU’s stagnating economy. He criticized von der Leyen’s Green Deal, claiming it fails to account for necessary industrial policies, which he believes are essential for increasing Europe’s competitiveness against global powers like the United States and China. “The EU needs to change,” he argued, emphasizing the urgency of addressing economic challenges.
Von der Leyen responded by highlighting Hungary’s policies as detrimental to the single market, accusing Orbán’s government of targeting European businesses with arbitrary taxes and restrictions. She stressed that trust is crucial for economic stability, criticizing Hungary’s “export restrictions” that have created uncertainty among investors.
Migration policies
The issue of migration significantly intensified the debate. Orbán claimed that the influx of asylum seekers has led to increased antisemitism and violence against women. He proposed establishing “outside hotspots” in neighboring countries to process asylum applications, stating, “Without outside hotspots, we cannot protect Europeans from irregular migration.”
Von der Leyen challenged this proposal by pointing out Hungary’s controversial decisions, such as extending a National Card scheme for Russian citizens. She argued that inviting Russian nationals into the EU without proper checks poses security risks. “This is not defending Europe’s sovereignty; it is a backdoor for foreign interference,” she asserted.
