Fidesz reacted on social media to a parliamentary proposal for resolution presented by the Democratic Coalition (DK), the largest left-wing opposition party. Fidesz said: ‘If we understand correctly, [Ferenc] Gyurcsány and his party are against the pro-peace proposal for resolution [submitted to the House by Fidesz] for peace’ [submitted to the House by Fidesz-KDNP]. The ruling party added that their proposal would prevent Hungary from being dragged into the war, and states that instead of weapon shipments and new sanctions, peace negotiations are needed as soon as possible. The party finished their statement by adding: ‘Thus, the dollar-left continues doing what their owners expect of them to do: supporting war, weapons and sanctions.’

The Democratic Coalition presented their counter-proposal to parliament on 2 March, in response to the resolution proposed by the ruling parties earlier this week. DK’s deputy parliamentary group leader, Gergely Arató stated that their proposal focuses on the interests of the Hungarian people and what a responsible government should do in the current situation.

The 7-point proposal for resolution recommends various measures such as cutting the VAT on basic foodstuffs and the tax on fuel to reduce inflation, reducing network access fees, and supporting renewable energy with energy efficiency upgrades. It also calls for doubling the gas and electricity volumes households receive at regulated prices and retroactive compensation for pensioners who did not receive a pension hike last year. Additionally, the proposal urges the introduction of a European minimum wage based on consultations with unions and employers.

Furthermore, the draft resolution demands that the construction of battery plants be stopped and legal guarantees be put in place to ensure no new plants are built without the necessary environmental impact studies and consent from local communities. The resolution also calls for Hungary to join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) and urges ‘the restoration of the rule of law’ to unlock European Union funds suspended due to alleged government corruption.

Fidesz, in response, accused DK of being pro-war in its refusal to support commitment to peace and calls for urgent peace talks. They argued that DK’s opposition meant that ‘the dollar left…remains pro-war and in favour of weapons deliveries and sanctions.’

The Fidesz-KDNP Proposal

Last Tuesday, Fidesz and KDNP (the Christian Democrats) submitted a proposal for resolution to parliament entitled ‘One Year Anniversary of the Russian-Ukrainian War’. In their proposal, Fidesz group leader Máté Kocsis and KDNP group leader István Simicskó highlighted that the war between Russia and Ukraine has been going on for a year, with no signs of ending soon.

The consequences have been dramatic: the war may have already claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and caused the largest humanitarian crisis in Europe in recent years. Europe is experiencing a period of drifting into war, the proposal argued. The European Parliament is demanding further arms shipments, with the potential result of fighter planes, helicopters, missile systems, tanks, and even more ammunition being sent to the battlefield. Some Member States have already committed themselves to further arms shipments.

These steps could lead to a world war—the representatives wrote. According to the text of the proposed resolution, in view of these considerations and the clear message of the April 2022 election, the National Assembly expresses its commitment to peace and expects every member of the international community to take action for an immediate peace and avoid steps that would lead to the expansion of the war.