New Conflict Erupts Between Budapest and Brussels Just 10 Days Before Elections

The Hungarian government has declared that the European Commission is demanding the cancellation of protected fuel prices, sparking a new conflict between Hungary and Brussels. In a video address published on his Facebook page on Thursday, Prime Minister Viktor Orban emphasized that he has no intention of yielding to these demands. This conflict has arisen just ten days before the parliamentary elections, where Orban is leading his party with slogans about fighting against Brussels.

Orban reported that Budapest received 'another threatening letter' from the European Commission. He stated, 'Now Brussels is demanding that we do not sell fuel to Hungarians cheaper than to foreigners. But Brussels must also understand that Hungary is simultaneously battling the Ukrainian oil blockade and the global energy crisis, which is already knocking at our doors. We, Hungarians, cannot accept that in this situation the Commission is attacking us instead of offering help.'

The Prime Minister stressed that he will not allow Hungarian families to 'pay the price for the blackmail of the Ukrainians.' He also announced that Hungary will maintain the system of protected fuel prices, which will remain available exclusively for Hungarian families, Hungarian businesses, and Hungarian farmers. 'Europe remains a union of nations, not an empire governed from Brussels,' Orban added.

It is worth recalling that on March 9, Viktor Orban announced the introduction of fixed fuel prices due to a sharp increase in international oil prices, which occurred because of the situation in the Middle East, the Iranian crisis, and the oil blockade by Ukraine. Importantly, these preferential prices apply exclusively to vehicles with Hungarian license plates, which has caused outrage in neighboring countries.

On March 31, it became known that Slovakia rejected Brussels' call to abolish measures that involve different pricing at gas stations for vehicles with foreign and Slovak registration. These events indicate that tensions between EU member states are rising, and the issue of energy security is becoming increasingly pressing against the backdrop of global crises.

Thus, the conflict between Hungary and the European Commission continues to escalate, and its consequences could significantly impact the political situation in the country ahead of the elections. The public is closely monitoring the developments, as decisions made in the coming days could have far-reaching implications for the Hungarian economy and politics.