There is no let-up in the scrutiny surrounding Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s visit to Georgia earlier this week. As previously reported by Hungarian Conservative, Orbán made an official visit on Monday and Tuesday to the South Caucasus state, where the ruling Georgian Dream party emerged victorious in the weekend’s elections. However, the European Union does not recognize the elections as free and democratic, prompting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to call for an investigation into the matter. Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, along with the foreign ministers of 13 member states, also supported von der Leyen’s stance and condemned Orbán’s visit, labelling it ‘premature.’
The reason for the outrage in Brussels is long known: the EU’s globalist mainstream cannot abide a candidate or member state securing elections that are not won by parties aligned with their perspectives on key issues. The Georgian Dream, a conservative, pro-peace, and sovereignist party, poses a challenge to this narrative, making it unsurprising that Brussels seeks to discredit the election results.
However, the Hungarian government consistently respects the will of electorates, and this instance is no exception; thus, it is not surprising that Brussels disapproves. The firestorm surrounding the Hungarian government earlier this week shows no signs of abating, with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson most recently criticizing Hungary for its engagement with Georgia.
Following his meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobikhadze, Viktor Orbán characterized the elections as free and democratic. In response, Kristersson remarked that the Hungarian leader does not represent Sweden or other European countries but ‘possibly speaks for Russia.’
Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó announced on Wednesday that the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade had summoned Sweden’s ambassador to Budapest regarding Kristersson’s statement. ‘This is a statement that we must challenge and reject in the strongest possible terms. We will not tolerate, condone, or accept any questioning of the fact that we represent our own interests—the Hungarian national interest and the Hungarian position,’ he declared. According to him, such remarks ‘are in no way based on mutual respect and do not appear to be aimed at enhancing alliance cooperation.’ ‘We will, of course, continue to monitor the statements of our friends and allies in the near future, and if necessary, we will clarify our own position,’ he concluded.
‘We will not tolerate, condone, or accept any questioning of the fact that we represent our own interests—the Hungarian national interest and the Hungarian position’
A spokesperson for the Swedish Foreign Ministry confirmed that the ambassador had been summoned and that a meeting had taken place. ‘We maintain ongoing contacts with Hungary within the framework of our bilateral relations. The bilateral dialogue is an important and natural aspect of the relationship,’ she stated, without providing further details.
Viktor Orbán also addressed the matter, posting on X: ‘The Swedish Prime Minister accuses me of representing the interests of Russia in Georgia. He was obviously instructed to do so by Washington. How sad...’
The @SwedishPM accuses me of representing the interests of Russia in Georgia. He was obviously instructed to do so by Washington. How sad…
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) October 31, 2024
https://t.co/orclWFwBjY
It is important to note that Hungary blocked Sweden’s accession to NATO for an extended period. The reason why is straightforward, as illustrated by Kristersson’s recent statement, too: some Swedish leading politicians lack respect for Hungary, which is detrimental to relations between the two countries. In February 2024 Viktor Orbán invited his Swedish counterpart to Budapest to address these differences, and as a result, the Hungarian parliament finally ratified Sweden’s accession to NATO. As part of the agreement, the Hungary received four new Gripen fighter jets.
Orbán’s visit to Georgia has elicited a reaction from globalist, liberal politicians similar to those to his peace mission, with calls for a boycott of the Hungarian EU presidency being raised once again. Guy Verhofstadt, former Belgian MEP known for his persistent criticism of Hungary, targeted Orbán in a Facebook post. ‘Viktor Orbán is more than Putin’s useful idiot... since his actions in Georgia, we know he is an outright agent of authoritarianism,’ Verhofstadt stated. He subsequently urged member state leaders to boycott the informal European Council meeting in Budapest on 8 November.
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