Fidesz’s Szájer resigns as MEP

József Szájer of Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party on Sunday announced his resignation as a member of the European Parliament, effective December 31.

Szájer said his resignation was submitted on Sunday to David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament, adding that his decision marked the end of a “long period of reflection”.

The MEP said his resignation was not related to the current debate on the European stage, in which he said he agreed with and supported the position of the Hungarian government.

Szájer said

participating in the daily political struggle had been “an increasing mental strain” on him for some time, noting his 30-year career as a politician.

He expressed his gratitude to voters for voting him to the Hungarian Parliament and the European Parliament four times each.

Szájer said that in the future, instead of pursuing his career as a politician, he would continue the work he started at the time of the change of regime in the intellectual field.

The Fidesz and Christian Democrat EP group said they were “saddened” by Szájer’s decision. In a statement, the group thanked Szájer for his service and praised his role in allowing Hungarian civic conservatism and Christian democracy to establish itself on the European political scene.

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