Hungarian government unpleased with 'Putin's friends' label
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó (photo: Getty Images)
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó complained that the Hungarian authorities are being labeled as friends of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
He said that in recent years there has been no real space for rational dialog on strategic issues, and "the situation is getting worse."
"If we make such a demand, the answer is not to discuss it, to explore how to find a solution, but to label us as Putin's friends, Kremlin propagandists, or perhaps Russian spies," Szijjártó complained.
According to the Hungarian minister, if there was a place for rational dialogue and mutual respect, and if "those who constantly talk about democracy paid attention to those whose opinions differ slightly from the majority, these ideological debates and stigmatization could be avoided."
Szijjártó argues that the Hungarian government has always been honest about its strategy and goals, and this is possible, he says, "because of the unique political stability that prevails in the country."
"That's how we can afford to say what we do and do what we say," the foreign minister said.
Hungary's position on the war
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has an openly pro-Russian stance. He often makes statements to discredit Ukraine.
Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Hungary has not provided Ukraine with military assistance and is blocking the European Union's sanctions against Russia. In addition, Budapest continues to trade with Russia and representatives of the Hungarian government visit Moscow.
Hungary is also blocking Ukraine's path to the EU and NATO and has prevented the allocation of 50 billion euros for our country.
