Orbán: Tusk’s re-election signals EU’s ability to function

For Hungary Donald Tusk’s re-election to president of the European Council indicates that the European Union can continue to function, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said on Friday, adding that the decision had nothing to do with any of the EU member states.

It must be accepted that European politics are based on party politics and Hungary’s ruling parties, namely Fidesz and the Christian Democrats, belong to the European People’s Party (EPP). For this reason, Hungary supported the EPP’s candidate, Orbán told a press conference after an EU summit meeting in Brussels.

“We have made every possible effort to pave the way for a sensible compromise” but it was a battle that Poland could not win, he said. The decision must be accepted even if there is a member state that refuses it, he said.

Orbán said the decision did not influence the Polish-Hungarian alliance, and Hungary would continue to take a firm stance to repel unjust attacks on Poland.

The prime minister emphasised that despite all difficulties, Europe continues to be the best place in the world to live in, and this position should be protected.