‘Fidesz will join a European political group in the upcoming term,’ Tamás Deutsch, the leading candidate of Fidesz–KDNP in the European Parliament elections shared in an interview with Mandiner. Deutsch highlighted the importance of the decision to depart from the EPP in 2021, citing the continuous barrage of friendly fire from colleagues within the group, which significantly diverted energy away from securing national interests. ‘Leaving this tumultuous environment behind us has broadened our scope for action,’ the top candidate stressed.
The interview also addressed the EU migration pact recently approved by the European Parliament, which essentially establishes a binding distribution quota for Member States. ‘The migration pact represents a defeat for all of Europe. The decision of the left-wing majority in the European Parliament is disastrous,’ remarked Deutsch. On this issue, Hungary has found an unexpected ally in Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The lead candidate noted that sometimes reality confronts every politician, which is why even the typically liberal-leaning Polish prime minister stated his refusal to implement the legislation. Deutsch further asserted:
‘We will not permit Hungary to transform into an immigrant country.’
Speaking about the previous European Parliament cycle, the lead candidate expressed that the pressure and blackmail from the Brussels bureaucracy had intensified over the past five years. He emphasized that if the Fidesz–KDNP MEPs had not engaged in constant battles and conflicts, Hungary would have risked being erased from the political map of Europe. ‘During such turbulent times, we had to vigorously defend our country, the Hungarian people, and our national interests,’ he remarked.
EU funding for Hungary was also discussed in the interview. ‘Regarding the completely illegal withholding of EU funds destined for Hungary, the Brussels bureaucrats initially denied any wrongdoing. However, they ultimately failed to conceal their true intention, which was to undermine Hungary for political motives, with the aim of assisting the opposition in gaining power by draining the Hungarian budget,’ Deutsch highlighted. He recalled that once the European Commission presented concrete proposals to the Hungarian government, the legislative process commenced, resulting in the release of over €10 billion in funds. ‘In the end, Judit Varga, János Bóka, Tibor Navracsics, and Viktor Orbán outmanoeuvred the Brussels bureaucrats in a high-stakes political chess match,’ he concluded.
The Fidesz–KDNP EP list has changed significantly compared to five years ago. According to Deutsch, the transformation was essential because, while it’s valuable to have experienced veterans among the MEPs, the primary focus should be on ensuring that after one or two terms in the European Parliament, their political knowledge and experience are effectively brought back home.
Read more on the upcoming European Parliament elections:
