Hungarian Opposition Bolsters Largest Group in European Parliament

The European People’s Party (EPP), the largest political group in the European Parliament, has expanded its ranks by welcoming 14 new MEPs on 18 June. Among these new members are a significant contingent from the Hungarian opposition party TISZA.

According to EPP website, all seven European deputies from TISZA, including their de facto leader Péter Magyar, have joined the EPP faction.

This inclusion marks a notable shift, as TISZA positions itself in opposition to the policies of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his ruling party, Fidesz.

In addition to the Hungarian representatives, the EPP has also gained members from several other parties across Europe. These include:

• Two members from the Dutch Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB).
• Two representatives from the Czech party Mayors and Independents (STAN).
• One member each from Denmark’s Liberal Alliance, Germany’s Family Party, and the Netherlands’ New Social Contract (NSC).

The EPP clarified that this expansion pertains specifically to the MEPs joining the faction, rather than their respective parties. Notably, STAN and the Family Party of Germany were already aligned with the EPP prior to this enlargement.

With these additions, the EPP now boasts 189 MEPs from across all EU member states, reinforcing its status as the largest political group in the European Parliament. This increase in numbers is significant as it enhances the EPP’s influence and decision-making power within the legislative body.

TISZA’s recent success in the European Parliament elections in June saw the party secure seven seats, a considerable achievement for an opposition group.

In contrast, Fidesz, the party led by Viktor Orbán, managed to obtain 11 seats.

The inclusion of TISZA members in the EPP is expected to have notable implications for European politics. The EPP, traditionally a centre-right group, may experience shifts in its internal dynamics and policy priorities with the integration of TISZA’s members, known for their opposition to Orbán’s nationalistic and authoritarian policies. This development could lead to more robust debates and potentially more diverse policy stances within the EPP.

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