MOSCOW, August 14, Viktor Nikolaev. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has managed to unite right-wing Eurosceptics in the European Parliament, increasing their chances of real power in the EU. Contrary to Brussels' calculations, Budapest has not found itself isolated, but, on the contrary, has increased its influence. About the balance of power in Europe — in the material .
Promising allianceAt the end of June, Orban, who heads Fidesz, the leader of the Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ) Herbert Kickl and the leader of the Czech Party of Dissatisfied Citizens (ANO) Andrej Babiš created the Patriots for Europe coalition. They seem to have few seats in the European Parliament (EP) — 84 out of 720, but in fact they are the third largest faction.
Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban
In 2021, Fidesz left the European People's Party and remained in the EP alone. Now there can be no talk of isolation.
“This alliance is conceived as a rocket that will call on board other parties to join forces and give Europe a better future,” Kickl said at the presentation of the coalition.
As a result, the Patriots were joined by the French National Rally, the Hungarian Christian Democrats, the Portuguese Chega, the Italian League, the Greek Voice of Reason, the Spanish Vox, the Dutch Party for Freedom, the Belgian Flemish Interest, as well as Latvia First and the Danish People's Party.
Changes are nearNow Eurosceptics advocating for a «Europe of nation states» are stronger than ever, Western media note. In the short term, they are unlikely to influence Brussels' policies; they will not be allowed into power. But their popularity is guaranteed.
Plenary session of the European Parliament
The next elections in various European countries will certainly lead to national governments «moving to the right,» analysts believe. For example, in the Czech Republic, ANO may become the leader in the fall. In Austria, the FPÖ has a good chance.
Liberals and leftists are extremely concerned about this. Cooperation between Austrian Eurosceptics and Hungary threatens to split over the Ukrainian issue. Now the FPÖ has the highest rating — 27 percent.
Participants of the rally against anti-Russian sanctions in Vienna
The media does not rule out that over time there will be no fewer premiers in the European Council from the “Patriots” than from the “European Conservatives and Reformists” — another right-wing coalition in the EP.
Orban or Self-DestructionBudapest's relations with Brussels continue to worsen. The European People's Party, the largest faction in the EP, accused Hungary of visa relaxations for citizens of Russia and Belarus and proposed excluding the country from the Schengen zone.
«Prime Minister Viktor Orban is increasingly testing the EU's patience,» write the authors of a letter sent to the European Commission. In fact, this is only about introducing a national card — a two-year work visa, which Budapest has authorized to issue to Russians, Belarusians, Ukrainians and citizens of other countries that are not members of the European Union.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto
«The Brussels lie factory has not been broken by the facts or the summer, and it is clear that constant failures will not stop it from working,» Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto countered the accusations.
He stressed that Hungary continues to carefully check everyone arriving in the EU. He added that one of the reasons for the attacks is the indignation of some MPs over the strengthening of the right in the EP.
«Patriots for Europe» managed to immediately become third in parliament — a convincing argument in favor of strengthening political influence. This says a lot,» Vladimir Olenchenko, senior researcher in the European countries' economics sector at the Center for European Studies at the IMEMO RAS, noted in an interview.
Hungarian flag in Budapest
The EU faces a choice: either a transition to a policy of common sense or self-destruction, the expert continues. Now is the time for those who have a clear position. The rest will have to «lose face.»
«There are more sensible people in Europe. Orban represents their interests. He is a strong personality and is able to enlist the support of the people,» Olenchenko concludes.
Senior lecturer at MGIMO of the Russian Foreign Ministry Alexey Zudin clarifies: the pan-European policy cannot be changed by successful coalition maneuvers alone.
The building of the European Parliament in Brussels
«The main thing is how quickly they can form elites of their type in other countries. People like Orban need to come to power,» the expert emphasizes.
And the Hungarian Prime Minister himself will most likely remain the leader of the Eurosceptics even if Kikl wins in Austria and Babis in the Czech Republic. And the clashes between EU governing bodies and nationally oriented governments will continue. At some point, the European Commission will have to take their position into account. Otherwise, the EU is in danger of disintegrating.