Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban labeled Ukraine an enemy for pushing the EU to cut Hungary off from cheap Russian energy, which he claims would increase household costs by up to 11,000 złoty annually.
Orban: Ukrainians Should Stop Their Constant Demands
During his appearance in Szombathely, western Hungary, Viktor Orban claimed that Ukraine constantly pressures Brussels to cut Hungary off from cheap Russian energy, which he believes would lead to higher utility bills for Hungarian consumers. “Ukrainians must understand they should stop making continuous demands to Brussels to cut Hungary off from cheap Russian energy,” he was quoted as saying by the Hungarian portal Mandiner.
“Anyone who says such a thing is an enemy of Hungary, so Ukraine is our enemy,” stated the Hungarian head of government. He added that Hungarian families would have to pay an additional approximately 1 million forints annually (about 11,000 złoty) for utilities if prices are not kept low. The politician also reiterated that Ukraine should not be admitted to the European Union.
European Union Cutting Off Russian Gas
On February 3, regulations prohibiting the import of this raw material came into force. The entire process is scheduled in phases. A complete ban on imports will take effect next autumn. Hungary has already announced its intention to challenge the regulations before the EU Court of Justice. The regulations are also criticized by Slovakia.
After decades of dependence on Russian gas, with Moscow either hiking prices or turning off the tap, the European Union is finally ending this chapter of its history. But Hungary is unwilling to accept this and intends to continue importing gas from Russia. They believe the regulations violate the right to choose energy sources and suppliers.
“Any country can file a complaint against EU regulations. This will not be the first time,” commented Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen. Until the case is decided by judges, Hungary must comply with the regulations; otherwise, it could itself be sued before the Court and forced to pay financial penalties.
“Orban Threat to His Own Citizens”. Internal Polls Indicate Ruling Party’s Defeat
Some time ago, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha, in an interview with the European Truth portal, called Viktor Orban “a threat to his own citizens and to ethnic Hungarians living in the Zakarpattia Oblast in western Ukraine.” He stated that Ukraine is preparing for various scenarios following the parliamentary elections in Hungary, which will take place on April 12.
According to one of Hungary’s best-known investigative journalists, the ruling Fidesz party has internal polls showing that the opposition will take power in April. Journalist Szabolcs Panyi gained access to internal polls commissioned by Orban’s party. The latest measurement shows the opposition leading 41:31 percent nationwide. Polls published by research institutes generally give the opposition more support, but polling firms close to the ruling party typically give Fidesz a significant advantage.
