Merkel, Orban seek common standpoints but agree to disagree on nature of democracy
Budapest, February 2 (MTI) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Viktor Orban a “colleague” with whom she “closely cooperated” and stressed that the Hungarian premier agreed with her that “the EU is a great asset”, saying: “Europe is always strong if its countries can take united action.” But the two leaders agreed to disagree about the nature of democracy.
In response to a question about Orban, she said, “In the interest of European unity, he is prepared to compromise.”
“Everything can be discussed with him,” she told students in a question-answer session as part of her one-day visit to Hungary. The chancellor added, however, that there are some points of disagreement, such as their views on liberal and illiberal democracy. Asked about “illiberal democracy” at her joint press conference with Orban earlier, Merkel said she could not interpret the word illiberal in the context of democracy. The roots of democracy had always been connected with liberalism, she insisted.
Orban, for his part, called the German chancellor “the most important and most vocal advocate of European unity”. But in reply to a question by a German journalist concerning democracy, Hungary’s prime minister said that not every democracy is necessarily a liberal one.
Pluralism, peace and freedom constitute the foundations of Europe, Merkel said. These are values that European nations should take a stand for in the Ukraine conflict, she said.
It is on the basis of these values that European countries should jointly fight against the discrimination of minorities, the German chancellor said. These are the values that are reflected by civil organisations and the independent media, too, Merkel said in a lecture held in the Andrassy Gyula German-language University.
Concerning the crisis in Ukraine, Merkel said that Russia, with its actions, had countered those ideals and tried to show that might is right instead of recognising the might of the law. She criticised Russia for having violated Ukraine’s free and peaceful political order and its right to freely decide its fate. However, she stressed the need to develop good relations with Russia and guarantee security in cooperation with, rather than against, that country.
Merkel said the Minsk Agreement reached last September should be implemented. This is what Europe’s “approach” to sanctions against Russia would depend on, she said. The chancellor admitted that the sanctions had caused a loss to the European Union but “freedom and law should be respected”.
Orban said that, looking at Europe’s strategic and historical horizon, he could not imagine an EU which did not incorporate Russian energy resources and raw materials.
Both leaders said that neither Germany nor Hungary would supply Ukraine with weapons. Merkel said Germany was grateful to Hungary for helping Ukraine by renewing gas supplies.
Europe should fulfil its promises concerning peace, welfare and freedom, she said. Instead of sowing social division there is a need for cohesion; a political system in which the opposition is not an enemy but a partner, she said.
Merkel stressed that the majority, especially if it is a large one, should show self-restraint and protect minorities. The constitution should be “dealt with” cautiously, in a consensus-seeking way, she said.
Merkel called Hungarian-German relations “close” and the interlinking of the two economies “exemplary”. She noted that the 6,000 German companies operating here employed 300,000 Hungarians, a fact she said should be taken into account when it comes to passing tax and economic policy measures.
Merkel said that retaining European unity should be a priority and “the continent should be led out of the debt crisis.”
The Hungarian prime minister said Germany had played an integral part in Hungarian history, while the economic cooperation of recent years has proved that Germany was part of Hungary’s present and future.
Hungary’s foreign minister told public television that Orban’s talks with Merkel and been friendly and there was “no tension between the two sides whatsoever”. Peter Szijjarto said the topic of civil organisations had also been broached at Merkel’s talks with Orban, who made clear that he regards the work of civil groups important from the point of view of societal development. At the same time, he expected that their activities should be transparent, he added.
Radical nationalist Jobbik said Orban had rightly declared at his joint press conference with Merkel that Europe needs trade relations with Russia and welcomed Orban’s statement for a full commitment to a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine-Russia conflict as well as Hungary’s related neutrality.
The opposition Socialists welcomed the German chancellor standing by social, Christian and liberal values. It is clear that Merkel and Hungary’s democratic opposition think along the same line as regards democracy, “whereas Viktor Orban again said ‘no’ to a system built on human freedoms,” party leader Jozsef Tobias said.
The opposition green LMP said Orban should accept Merkel’s advice and diversify energy supplies, as well as treat NGOs as partners.
The Egyutt (Together) party said Orban had continued to steer Hungary away from Europe by having failed to state a full commitment to European values.
The leftist opposition Democratic Coalition said that Merkel had, “with her usual politeness and reserve, not loudly but very clearly” condemned the performance of the Hungarian government.
Dialogue for Hungary (PM) said Orban was swinging his weight behind Russia since he prized a good relationship with the Russian president far more than committing himself to Europe’s unified energy and foreign policies.
Source: http://mtva.hu/hu/hungary-matters
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