Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban accused Ukraine of trying to influence the results of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Hungary, because Kiev understands that the current government in Budapest will never approve Ukraine's accession to the European Union (EU).
Speaking to the press when commenting on the results of the EU Summit in Brussels recently, Mr. Orban mentioned that the European Commission has announced a "roadmap" towards Ukraine joining the EU in 2027. However, the Hungarian leader flatly rejected this scenario.
I think that in the next 100 years, no Parliament in Hungary will vote in favor of Ukraine joining the EU," Prime Minister Viktor Orban declared.
According to Mr. Orban, this tough stance is the reason why Kiev is particularly interested in the election results in Hungary and is said to be seeking to interfere in the internal political life of this country.
We do not want them to join the EU. Therefore, Ukraine has a direct interest in the opposition winning and is trying to interfere in Budapest's internal affairs," he accused.
The Hungarian Prime Minister emphasized that Ukraine will "participate actively" in the upcoming parliamentary election campaign, because the government change in Hungary is vital to Kiev's ambition to join the EU.
I don't like this at all and we will fight against it" - Mr. Orban affirmed.
The above statements were made in the context of continuing tensions between Hungary and Ukraine, especially related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, financial and military support packages for Kiev and prospects for expanding the EU to the East.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto also spoke out in support of Prime Minister Orban's views, and said that this is not the first time Ukraine has been accused of being involved in the elections in Hungary.
In a video message, Mr. Szijjarto recalled that a similar situation occurred in the election 4 years ago.
Four years ago, they campaigned for our opponents. This is happening again, because they know that a pro-Ukrainian government can only come to power if we are excluded from politics," the Hungarian Foreign Minister said.
Mr. Szijjarto emphasized that the upcoming election will be decisive for Hungary's strategic orientation. According to him, Hungarian voters will have to choose "peace or war", as well as decide "whether to allow President Volodymyr Zelensky to take money from the Hungarian people to support a corrupt Ukrainian regime or not".
The parliamentary election in Hungary, scheduled to take place on April 12, will decide the formation of a new government. Fidesz - Hungarian Citizens' Union of Prime Minister Orban, along with its coalition partner the Christian Democratic People's Party, is facing the opposition party Tisza (Respect and Freedom).
The Tisza Party is led by Mr. Peter Magyar, a former government official. Mr. Magyar is said to have received support from EU leaders as well as the largest faction in the European Parliament - the European People's Party (EPP).
