Viktor Orbán Waved a White Flag to Brussels

PM Viktor Orbán rhetoric suggests he would give in to the European Union on any question. On Tuesday, Viktor Orbán practically waved a white flag in Brussels, as he says he is ready to give in to Union on any question – expressed, Benedek Jávor, the deputy head of LMP parliamentary group at a Wednesday press conference, following the negotiations of Prime Minister and heads of European institutions. The opposition politician added that in the meantime there have been no decision made, and the procedures of the EU against Hungary are still on-going.

The deputy head believes the negotiations show that Viktor Orbán is “putting aside his warrior-like mentality, at least on the international sphere.” Benedek Jávor took this move as a positive development, as in his opinion the Hungarian government can now end its “fruitless and harmful conflicts” with several international institutions.

In his summary, he stated that Viktor Orbán “practically speaking, has waved a white flag, so he is willing to give way to the Union in almost any question”. Mr. Jávor mentioned the salary and oath of the Governor of the Central Bank as an exceptions, both of “which have nothing to do with essential questions of the Hungarian economy and democracy.”

MP Jávor has also highlighted that the conflicting and aggressive negotiation policy of the government is seriously damaging Hungary’s reputation and impedes the country’s real interest. “It is the style of rough-necks in the gutter to pick at everyone in the pub, but this does not lead to any results” – he commented.

About the idea of joining the stability pact, he explained that it contains several disadvantageous elements for the country. As an example, he mentioned the half percent structural deficit target, which in its current state is a next-to-impossible goal for Hungary.

He emphasized that there was no decision made on Tuesday, the procedures of the EU against Hungary are still on going. According to Mr. Jávor’s , words these procedures can only be stopped if the country takes steps to fulfill the expectations of these international institutions.

Upon questions at the press conference, Jávor Benedek informed the press that MP Lajos Mile, on behalf of LMP, had partaken at the Wednesday morning consultancy, where the head of government gave an account on his activities of the previous day. He added that the Prime Minister mostly shared the same information with the representatives as the public had already heard from the media.

Addressing a reporter’s question, he informed them that the LMP parliamentary group had not decided on a possible candidate as head of the parliamentary group, and that the selection will be made at this weekends congress. The nomination is expected to take place Saturday afternoon.

In his opinion all four members of the presidency of the parliamentary group, Ms. Tímea Szabó, Mr. Gergely Karácsony, Mr. Lajos Mile and also himself are capable of leading the group, but he added he could envision other LMP politicians as head as well. He also said that if the group and the party nominated him, he would consider this honor and responsibility.Source: LMP/MTI