Kremlin spokesperson praises Orbán’s “independent and constructive” approach

In a recent statement, Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Russian president, praised Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s approach to foreign policy, highlighting Orbán’s commitment to an “independent position” that stands apart from the “contradictory and short-sighted” policies of EU foreign policy head Josep Borrell.

According to 444.hu, Peskov emphasised that Moscow values Orbán’s determination to shape Hungary’s economic and diplomatic strategy to suit its own interests, even when it diverges from the EU’s mainstream approach. While expressing respect for Orbán’s autonomy, Peskov clarified that Russia has no intention of meddling in European politics and aims to avoid getting entangled in EU’s internal conflicts.

Source: Facebook / Viktor Orbán

Orbán’s speech and his Georgia visit

On the 23rd of October, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stirred up controversy with comments suggesting a “Brussels conspiracy” aimed at toppling the Hungarian government, sparking both domestic and international backlash. Shortly afterwards, Orbán’s visit to Georgia caught analysts’ attention as a potential nod to Russian interests. Given Georgia’s own struggles with Russian influence and election controversies, Orbán’s timing appeared significant, leading 13 EU foreign ministers to criticise the visit as a move that disregarded the EU’s expectations regarding Georgia’s governance and reform.

Orbán’s visit aligns with his recent commitment to a “neutral” economic policy, as laid out in Tusnádfürdő, where he announced Hungary’s intention to balance between global powers. Though Orbán has publicly positioned Hungary as neutral since September, the approach is causing tension among EU and NATO allies, who view his strengthening ties with Russia and China as incompatible with Hungary’s membership in both organisations.

Source: Facebook / Viktor Orbán

A statement from EU ministers

According to 444, the same 13 EU foreign ministers issued a statement condemning the irregularities in Georgia’s recent parliamentary elections, citing evidence from international observers that showed breaches of democratic standards. The ministers pressed the Georgian government to uphold the international electoral standards required for EU membership and called Orbán’s visit to Georgia “premature” and unnecessarily divisive. His presence also sparked tension locally, with mass protests erupting over the contested election results and even instances of Orbán being booed while near protest zones.

The statement from the EU’s 13 foreign ministers went on to demand impartial investigations into Georgian election complaints, insisting on accountability for any identified irregularities. They also urged the Georgian government to respond to the protests peacefully and stressed that Hungary, as a fellow EU member, should not endorse actions that undermine the democratic principles the EU represents.

Viktor Orbán’s approach is carving out an increasingly independent path for Hungary, one that resonates with Moscow but raises red flags within the EU. His recent moves, from his rhetoric on Brussels to his overtures in Georgia and pursuit of “neutrality”, are testing Hungary’s relationships with its EU and NATO allies, placing it in a delicate balancing act between East and West.

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