While the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ parliamentary secretary, Péter Szijjártó, tries to discourage any further European Union sanctions against Vladimir Putin’s Russia, the Együtt-PM liberal-green opposition party took to the streets of Budapest, in order to protest the second Russian invasion of Ukraine this year. Demonstrators marched to Russia’s embassy in the Hungarian capital and the protest included key opposition leaders, including Gergely Karácsony. Banners and signs bore the words “Ukraine is not a Colony,” and protesters noted that Hungarians could not be idle and allow for “the laws of the jungle to dominate Europe.”
“We demand that Russia withdraw its troops from eastern Ukraine and we call on the Hungarian government to suspend preparations for the expansion of the Paks atomic plant, so long as Russian troops are stationed on Ukrainian soil. Viktor Orbán must finally give up his doublespeak and he must stand up for Ukrainian sovereignty“–noted Együtt-PM activists in Budapest.
Some protesters decided to lie down on the pavement, as though they had been killed in the bloody conflict, with signs on their chest that read “Say no to the expansion of the Russian empire!” and “Say yes to freedom!”
Solidarity with Ukraine protest in Budapest on August 30th, 2014. Photo: Együtt-PM
Együtt-PM demonstrates in front of the Russian embassy in Budapest. Photo: Együtt-PM
Együtt’s Nora Hajdú demonstrates in front of the Russian embassy in Budapest. Photo: C. Adam
While the Hungarian opposition took to the streets, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was quoted as speaking against any further sanctions. “It is my opinion, that the politics of sanctions against Russia have not proven successful. Hungary’s interest is peace,” noted Mr. Orbán, adding that rather than sanctions and military intervention, he encourages dialogue with Mr. Putin.
Earlier this year. Mr. Orbán’s government received a 10 billion euro line of credit to expand the Paks atomic plant and ever since, the government has avoided any signs of solidarity with Ukraine.
“Viktor Orbán must finally give up his doublespeak and he must stand up for Ukrainian sovereignty”
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No, Orban must finally give up his position and resign before the mess he created develops to a more serious situation and reaches the point of no return. If it hasn’t happened yet.
“Earlier this year. Mr. Orbán’s government received a 10 billion euro line of credit to expand the Paks atomic plant and ever since, the government has avoided any signs of solidarity with Ukraine.”
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Was that a credit? Can we call that a credit? Wasn’t that a payment for some cooperation and loyalty from Orban and his government that he is expected fulfill now?
Also, I would regard a routine investigation to find out whether he was given a big bribe in return for his “services”.
Mr Orbán wants to model Hungary’s new “illiberal” system of governance on the one that’s in place in Russia and China. His retreat from the spirit of 1956, is a national disgrace. When he orders the round up of all Tibetans in Budapest prior to a Chinese communist Party delegation visit to his country, so the oppressed minority can not voice its dissent in public, or when he does nothing, as Russia continuously violates the Ukraine’s territorial integrity, he showcases his own betrayal of the values of 1956. Shame on him.