Elections in Hungary Unlikely to Change Attitude Towards Ukraine, Reports POLITICO
The potential change of government in Hungary, resulting from the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 12, may not necessarily improve Budapest's relations with the European Union and Ukraine.
The upcoming parliamentary elections in Hungary, set to take place on April 12, could lead to a change in government, but this shift is unlikely to enhance the relationship between Budapest and both the European Union and Ukraine. According to POLITICO, leading opposition figure Peter Magyar from the Tisza party currently expresses views on Ukraine that closely align with those of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, despite presenting himself as an opposition candidate within the country.
European Union officials, frustrated by Orban's ongoing blockages of support for Kyiv, had hoped that a change in leadership might ease tensions. However, POLITICO reports that there are no significant signs of a policy shift on the horizon.
Regarding Ukraine, Magyar opposes the acceleration of the EU accession process, arguing that membership should be determined through a Hungarian referendum—a proposal that could indefinitely delay the process. He has also dismissed the idea of providing military assistance to Ukraine, insisting that such actions do not reflect the opinions of the Hungarian public.
Magyar's party has mirrored this approach in the European Parliament, voting against a €90 billion EU aid package for Ukraine. This vote has raised concerns in Brussels that a government led by Magyar would prioritize domestic political positions over EU unity regarding Ukraine.
Like Orban, Magyar frames his stance in nationalist terms, emphasizing Hungarian sovereignty and voter sentiments. He has also criticized Ukraine for its treatment of the Hungarian ethnic minority in Transcarpathia, openly stating that Hungarian voters do not desire a pro-Ukrainian government.
Thus, despite hopes for changes in Hungarian policy, the reality may turn out to be quite different. The upcoming elections may not bring about the desired shifts in relations between Hungary, the EU, and Ukraine; instead, they could perpetuate a policy that has already raised concerns in both Brussels and Kyiv.