Katalin Cseh MEP: “Hungary Deserves a Government That Doesn’t Dance to Putin’s Tune”

The following interview with MEP Katalin Cseh, By Sofia Nazarenko, appeared on 24.tv.ua.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, notorious for his pro-Russian stance, has cast an anti-Ukrainian shadow over all Hungarian citizens with his actions. He is known for fostering close relations with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Throughout 2022, his government opposed any strengthening of sanctions against Russia or any support for Kyiv.

However, not all Hungarian politicians endorse Budapest’s actions.

In reality, how does Hungary support Ukraine, is imperialism inherent to modern Hungarians, and what are the opposition’s chances?

Read in an interview for 24 Channel with the co-founder of the Hungarian opposition party “Momentum,” MEP Katalin Cseh.

Katalin Cseh is the Deputy Chair of the pro-European political group Renew Europe in the European Parliament, having served as a Hungarian Member of the European Parliament since 2019. She is a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Budget Committee. In 2017, she co-founded the Hungarian centrist opposition party “Momentum.”

 

The party led by Katalin Cseh is convinced of the necessity of supporting Ukraine in its war against the aggressor. Last year, the leaders of this political force raised funds for energy equipment for Ukrainians and then visited Ukraine to deliver everything and coordinate further joint initiatives with the Ukrainian authorities. Link to the original article

How have Hungarian state media become a mouthpiece for the Kremlin, and how do Hungarians really feel about Ukraine?

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán either blocks aid to Ukraine or continually complicates decisions in Ukraine’s favour. How do ordinary Hungarians perceive Orbán’s unfriendliness towards Kyiv?

“It is very sad to see how strongly Russian propaganda has penetrated Hungarian public discourse. It is very difficult to find unbiased information about why it is so important for us to help Ukraine because Orbán’s state media has essentially become a mouthpiece for Russia Today or Sputnik.”

“But even under conditions of disinformation, I would say that most Hungarians sympathise with Ukraine. If I just remember how warmly we welcomed refugees who came during the war. It was our main human duty. Also, I think that if people heard more about how our own security depends on Ukraine’s security, I am sure they would oppose such a government policy.”

“It makes the EU weaker, it makes Hungary less secure, and it also helps the aggressor Vladimir Putin act against the brave Ukrainians defending their homeland.”

Overall, from your observations, how do Hungarians perceive Russia’s war against Ukraine?

“When the war started, I think many of us Hungarians didn’t believe it, just like many other Europeans. It was very difficult for us to understand what it means for our security when such a terrible war unfolds next door to us.”

“Visiting Ukraine during the war, my political party repeatedly collected donations for Ukraine, including generators when there was no electricity. We also regularly supported the Hungarian minority living near the borders.”

“These stories are just awful. And whoever hears about them, about the depth of suffering and how much courage it takes to resist, I think everyone will understand that this is a very serious issue. I hope people don’t forget that it also concerns us, Hungarians.”

“Of course, the government is very biased towards Russia, but I believe that the average Hungarian citizen is better than that and understands the depth of danger. And if the time comes to choose, they will choose the side of our own security and the security of Ukraine.”

The interview provided an insightful perspective on Hungary’s political landscape and its stance on the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, highlighting the complexities and contradictions within Hungarian society.

Activation of Article 7 and Blocked €20 Billion: Orbán Must Play by EU Rules

Recently, the European Parliament voted on a resolution urging the EU Council to activate Article 7 against Budapest. In your opinion, is there a need to limit the voting rights of the Hungarian government?

“Since Viktor Orbán came to power, he has constantly violated the rule of law, breached European legislation, and for over five years, the EU Council has been processing Article 7 against him. And I think now is the time to consider the question of voting on this matter.

“If other members of the Council are not convinced that the rule of law issues have been resolved, then indeed, there is a sanction according to European legislation that must be adhered to if you are a community of the rule of law. Therefore, if the Parliament supported this resolution by a significant majority of votes, I hope the EU Council will act responsibly.”

€20 billion for Budapest from European funds are still blocked due to violations of democracy and the rule of law. How is this perceived by the Hungarian population, and in your opinion, when should these funds be unblocked?

“Every European country must meet certain criteria to access the money. Every country, except Hungary, has succeeded in this. So I think Hungary simply needs to follow this example, like everyone else.

“We must respect the laws and criteria, and if they are fully complied with, then we can get the money. If you are a member of the club, if you enjoy certain benefits, a common market, protection, you must also adhere to the same processes. This is nothing special.

“There are two very different faces of Hungary and two very different views on European issues. One is, of course, Orbán’s view, which believes in a weak Europe, which resembles a free trade area, but ultimately is weak and unable to protect its citizens.

“This is the Europe closer to Vladimir Putin’s vision.

“And there is another part of Hungary, the part I fight for, which is pro-European Hungary, which knows and understands that for our security and prosperity, it is important to be a member of a strong European Union with strong laws, strong powers, and a strong way of protecting citizens, even if this protection has to act against their own government.

“I hope that over time, we can break through Orbán’s propaganda wall and actually explain to everyone that a strong Europe is in their interests, and European laws protect our citizens.

“That is why we insist that Orbán respects European legislation, and only then can he access the funds.”

Ahead of the EU Summit in December, the European Commission Unblocked €10 Billion for Budapest. In Your Opinion, Has Hungary Implemented All Necessary Reforms?

“I have always said, and my party has always represented a very consistent position on this issue, that only then can we unlock the money for Budapest, for Orbán, when the criteria are fully met.

“It is very easy to see that this was not achieved before the meeting of the European Council; independent authorities, independent experts also confirm this thesis.

“The achievement of Ukraine in starting the accession process to the EU is a great and historic success, and I am very glad that Orbán then decided to go to the bathroom.

“But still, this success does not exempt the European Commission from responsibility for breaking the law, because making a deal through breaking the law contradicts what it should do and how to make deals.

“That is why we need to reform the EU so that each individual member country does not have to give its consent. Only then can we avoid the situations we find ourselves in.”

The Struggle Will Be Tough: Does the Hungarian Opposition Have a Chance?

“In 2022, the European Parliament declared Hungary an autocracy. In your opinion, what are the real chances for the Hungarian opposition to change anything now?

“Of course, with every election, it becomes harder and harder, but I do not lose hope because I know that the Hungarian people have stood up to even tougher regimes in the past.”

“And I also see that our people have strength and resilience; this is a people who want to live in democracy, who want to live in a European country, who do not want to be expelled from the European Union after decades of essentially fighting for membership in this alliance.

“The struggle will be tough, but we are more determined than ever before because we know that changing the Hungarian leadership not only serves the fundamental and vital interests of Hungarian citizens but also helps make our European Union stronger.

“Now it is also an international issue – there is a need to have leadership in Hungary that is not in the pockets of Vladimir Putin, but supports freedom, democracy, European values, and principles.”

Among Hungarian politicians with a pro-Ukrainian position is also the Mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karácsony. How do you assess his prospects?

“I am very proud that my party ‘Momentum’ supported Mayor Gergely, who has led the government in the capital – Budapest.”

Karácsony’s endorsement by “Momentum” underscores a broader momentum for change within Hungarian politics, particularly in Budapest, where progressive and green policies are gaining traction. His victory in 2019 demonstrated that even under the suffocating grip of autocratic rule, there are opportunities to foster freedom and progress.

Karácsony’s leadership has been characterised by a commitment to democratic values and European principles, standing in stark contrast to the authoritarian tendencies of the Orbán government. His re-election bid represents a beacon of hope for those seeking a break from the divisive politics that have characterised Hungarian governance in recent years.

His platform, focused on promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance, resonates with many Hungarians disillusioned with the current regime’s erosion of democratic norms.

By championing progressive policies and advocating for a more open and inclusive society, Karácsony embodies the aspirations of a growing segment of the Hungarian population.

However, challenges remain significant, with the ruling Fidesz party maintaining a firm grip on power and leveraging state resources to bolster its position.

Orbán’s brand of illiberal democracy has entrenched itself deeply within Hungarian institutions, posing formidable obstacles to meaningful political change.

Yet, Karácsony’s resilience and unwavering commitment to democratic ideals offer a glimmer of hope amidst the prevailing political climate.

His candidacy symbolises a broader movement for change, one that seeks to restore Hungary’s democratic foundations and reaffirm its place within the European community.

Ultimately, the upcoming mayoral election in Budapest will serve as a litmus test for the strength of Hungary’s democratic institutions and the resilience of its civil society.

Karácsony’s candidacy represents a crucial opportunity to chart a new course for Hungarian politics, one defined by transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

As Hungarians prepare to cast their votes, the outcome of this election will reverberate far beyond the confines of Budapest, shaping the trajectory of Hungarian democracy for years to come.

“I believe his election was a fundamental breakthrough for all of us, Hungarians living in freedom. It really gave us a lot of hope that changes in the country would become possible.

“He handled the management of Budapest exceptionally well in a very hostile environment. We are happy to support his campaign because I truly believe that the liberal, resilient, people-oriented leadership he provides is what we should offer to the whole country as an example of a possible future.”

The leader of the far-right Hungarian party Mi Hazank, Laszlo Toroczkai, recently stated that if Ukraine were to be defeated, Hungary could claim Transcarpathia. Do you think such imperialism is so characteristic of contemporary Hungarians?

Extreme right-wing parties are always capable of inventing unexpected and crazy ideas. I’m not entirely sure how to comment on this.

Of course, my party truly believes in the territorial integrity of Ukraine, and I feel quite strange when I have to say these words.

But I would rather hope that Ukraine will regain its territory after defeating Putin. And this is the aspiration for which we must support Ukraine.

“In Europe, there is currently an extraordinary rise in support for far-right or ultra-right parties. In light of this, do you have concerns that the number of populists in the European Parliament will increase after the elections? And how could this affect support for Ukraine?

Yes, these will be difficult elections for European parties because there are a lot of changes and instabilities happening in the world. And, of course, people are concerned about climate change, war, and changing economic prospects. And I think these fears are quite justified.

“But the one thing we need to explain very clearly during the campaign is that decisions never come from extremist parties. And indeed, the centre is the place where you can do good things and achieve results. We have already achieved a lot in this cycle in Europe, for example – the Recovery Fund, climate goals, aid for people suffering in their own countries, aid for Ukraine, aid for our own security.

This is a very good foundation on which to build the future, and I think we are simply obliged to convey these ideas to people. If we understand your problem and we are here to help you, we can do it better than populist right-wing parties; otherwise, the overall European project may be at risk.

That is why it is important for us to fight for and defend a strong Europe that also serves the interests of people’s everyday lives.”

Main image: Alain ROLLAND Copyright: © European Union 2024 – Source : EP

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Read also: Viktor Orbán – from Putin’s Trojan Horse in Brussels to “that dog” in mere minutes

“Charles Michel announced that the European Union summit approved a long-term budget assistance program for Ukraine worth 50 billion euros over 4 years.

“So either they cornered Orban, or they gave money to Orban, what exactly happened with Orban is unknown to us.

“We’re waiting for him to appear among the people. And he just talked to people, that dog, promising them support. I’m talking about European farmers.”

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________