The following interview with MEP Katalin Cseh, By Sofia Nazarenko, appeared on 24.tv.ua.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, notorious for his pro-Russian stance, has cast an anti-Ukrainian shadow over all Hungarian citizens with his actions. He is known for fostering close relations with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Throughout 2022, his government opposed any strengthening of sanctions against Russia or any support for Kyiv.

However, not all Hungarian politicians endorse Budapest’s actions.

In reality, how does Hungary support Ukraine, is imperialism inherent to modern Hungarians, and what are the opposition’s chances?

Read in an interview for 24 Channel with the co-founder of the Hungarian opposition party “Momentum,” MEP Katalin Cseh.

Katalin Cseh is the Deputy Chair of the pro-European political group Renew Europe in the European Parliament, having served as a Hungarian Member of the European Parliament since 2019. She is a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Budget Committee. In 2017, she co-founded the Hungarian centrist opposition party “Momentum.”

The party led by Katalin Cseh is convinced of the necessity of supporting Ukraine in its war against the aggressor. Last year, the leaders of this political force raised funds for energy equipment for Ukrainians and then visited Ukraine to deliver everything and coordinate further joint initiatives with the Ukrainian authorities. Link to the original article

How have Hungarian state media become a mouthpiece for the Kremlin, and how do Hungarians really feel about Ukraine?

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán either blocks aid to Ukraine or continually complicates decisions in Ukraine’s favour. How do ordinary Hungarians perceive Orbán’s unfriendliness towards Kyiv?

Overall, from your observations, how do Hungarians perceive Russia’s war against Ukraine?

The interview provided an insightful perspective on Hungary’s political landscape and its stance on the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, highlighting the complexities and contradictions within Hungarian society.

Activation of Article 7 and Blocked €20 Billion: Orbán Must Play by EU Rules

Recently, the European Parliament voted on a resolution urging the EU Council to activate Article 7 against Budapest. In your opinion, is there a need to limit the voting rights of the Hungarian government?

€20 billion for Budapest from European funds are still blocked due to violations of democracy and the rule of law. How is this perceived by the Hungarian population, and in your opinion, when should these funds be unblocked?

Ahead of the EU Summit in December, the European Commission Unblocked €10 Billion for Budapest. In Your Opinion, Has Hungary Implemented All Necessary Reforms?

The Struggle Will Be Tough: Does the Hungarian Opposition Have a Chance?

Among Hungarian politicians with a pro-Ukrainian position is also the Mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karácsony. How do you assess his prospects?

Karácsony’s endorsement by “Momentum” underscores a broader momentum for change within Hungarian politics, particularly in Budapest, where progressive and green policies are gaining traction. His victory in 2019 demonstrated that even under the suffocating grip of autocratic rule, there are opportunities to foster freedom and progress.

Karácsony’s leadership has been characterised by a commitment to democratic values and European principles, standing in stark contrast to the authoritarian tendencies of the Orbán government. His re-election bid represents a beacon of hope for those seeking a break from the divisive politics that have characterised Hungarian governance in recent years.

His platform, focused on promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance, resonates with many Hungarians disillusioned with the current regime’s erosion of democratic norms.

By championing progressive policies and advocating for a more open and inclusive society, Karácsony embodies the aspirations of a growing segment of the Hungarian population.

However, challenges remain significant, with the ruling Fidesz party maintaining a firm grip on power and leveraging state resources to bolster its position.

Orbán’s brand of illiberal democracy has entrenched itself deeply within Hungarian institutions, posing formidable obstacles to meaningful political change.

Yet, Karácsony’s resilience and unwavering commitment to democratic ideals offer a glimmer of hope amidst the prevailing political climate.

His candidacy symbolises a broader movement for change, one that seeks to restore Hungary’s democratic foundations and reaffirm its place within the European community.

Ultimately, the upcoming mayoral election in Budapest will serve as a litmus test for the strength of Hungary’s democratic institutions and the resilience of its civil society.

Karácsony’s candidacy represents a crucial opportunity to chart a new course for Hungarian politics, one defined by transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

As Hungarians prepare to cast their votes, the outcome of this election will reverberate far beyond the confines of Budapest, shaping the trajectory of Hungarian democracy for years to come.

The leader of the far-right Hungarian party Mi Hazank, Laszlo Toroczkai, recently stated that if Ukraine were to be defeated, Hungary could claim Transcarpathia. Do you think such imperialism is so characteristic of contemporary Hungarians?

Extreme right-wing parties are always capable of inventing unexpected and crazy ideas. I’m not entirely sure how to comment on this.

Of course, my party truly believes in the territorial integrity of Ukraine, and I feel quite strange when I have to say these words.

But I would rather hope that Ukraine will regain its territory after defeating Putin. And this is the aspiration for which we must support Ukraine.

“In Europe, there is currently an extraordinary rise in support for far-right or ultra-right parties. In light of this, do you have concerns that the number of populists in the European Parliament will increase after the elections? And how could this affect support for Ukraine?

Yes, these will be difficult elections for European parties because there are a lot of changes and instabilities happening in the world. And, of course, people are concerned about climate change, war, and changing economic prospects. And I think these fears are quite justified.

“But the one thing we need to explain very clearly during the campaign is that decisions never come from extremist parties. And indeed, the centre is the place where you can do good things and achieve results. We have already achieved a lot in this cycle in Europe, for example – the Recovery Fund, climate goals, aid for people suffering in their own countries, aid for Ukraine, aid for our own security.

This is a very good foundation on which to build the future, and I think we are simply obliged to convey these ideas to people. If we understand your problem and we are here to help you, we can do it better than populist right-wing parties; otherwise, the overall European project may be at risk.

That is why it is important for us to fight for and defend a strong Europe that also serves the interests of people’s everyday lives.”

Main image: Alain ROLLAND Copyright: © European Union 2024 – Source : EP

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Read also: Viktor Orbán – from Putin’s Trojan Horse in Brussels to “that dog” in mere minutes

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