Subscribe to our social channels to get the latest news about Hungary!
Opposition parties comment Orbán-Netanyahu talks
Change language:
Hungary’s leftist opposition parties criticised Israel’s prime minister for failing to condemn the Hungarian government’s campaign “inciting anti-Semitic sentiment” after his talks with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, while Jobbik party demanded to know what the two leaders had agreed on “behind the scenes”.
The opposition Socialists said preserving Hungary and Israel’s friendly relations in the long term was a national interest, but criticised Benjamin Netanyahu for “inserting himself” in Hungary’s domestic politics and the government’s campaign.
The Socialist Party condemned “Netanyahu joining Orbán in a domestic political campaign centred on vilification, incitement, provocation and demagogy”, board member Balázs Bárány told a press conference. He expressed regret that “this is all happening at a time when an evil and foolish government campaign is inciting anti-Semitic sentiment” and that Netanyahu’s remarks made at Tuesday’s press conference with Orbán had “only added to” the Hungarian Jewish community’s feelings of uncertainty.
The Democratic Coalition (DK) said Netanyahu’s visit was part of a “culpable political gamble”. Although the Israeli and Hungarian prime ministers have differing world views, they are both interested in implementing “authoritarian policies aimed at dismantling democracy”, DK board member Attila Ara-Kovács told a press conference.
Ara-Kovács said it would have been “vital” for Netanyahu to condemn Hungary’s “domestic politics of anti-Semitic incitement”, adding that “this cannot be ignored in exchange for votes”.
He said Netanyahu’s visit was about the Israeli PM “joining a club whose members include [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan and Orbán” rather than about advancing bilateral economic and cultural ties.
Ruling Fidesz dismissed the Socialists’ and DK’s comments as “sour grapes” over the fact that no Israeli prime minister had visited Hungary during the premiership of DK leader and former Socialist prime minister Ferenc Gyurcsány or at any other time when the Socialists were in power.
Why don’t you Lefty parties get your facts right before you begin to run the meeting of Orbán Viktor and Prime Minister Netanyahu down. Socialists, Jobbik and LMP, always ready to contribute nasty critics, but never stand behind this wonderful government, Fidesz. Why don’t you all acknowledge the fact that Orbán Viktor and his government have done wonders for Hungary since they have been in power. They work for the country and the people, which is something you have no interest in. Shame on you all.