Hungary's Viktor Orbán dodges opportunity to approve Sweden NATO membership

euronews (in English)

The governing Fidesz party, which holds an absolute majority in parliament, boycotted a session Monday and the chance to vote on the Nordic nation's application.

Transcript

00:00 Hungary is the only country holding up Sweden's accession to NATO.

00:06 Members of the ruling Fidesz party boycotted a session of parliament called by the opposition

00:11 to ratify Sweden's membership.

00:15 After Turkey approved Stockholm's accession in January, Hungary became the last of the

00:20 military alliance's 31 members not to have done so.

00:25 Orbán and the Fidesz party have stalled Sweden's bid since July 2022, alleging that Swedish

00:31 politicians have told "blatant lies" about the condition of Hungary's democracy.

00:36 However, last month, Orbán promised to urge ratification.

00:39 "The prime minister pledged to convene parliament, to urge parliament to act at its earliest

00:45 opportunity.

00:46 Today was an opportunity to do that."

00:49 Monday's session in parliament was supported by six opposition parties, but Fidesz lawmakers

00:54 did not attend, delaying the attempt to place a vote on the legislature's schedule.

00:59 "It's also very irrational what he's doing, despite all the pressure that's coming.

01:04 He himself should understand that this is going to serve the interests and security

01:09 of the Hungarian society.

01:11 But this is Orbán, irrational, and his personal vanity is just there."

01:15 Fidesz lawmakers want Swedish Prime Minister Alf Kristersson to come to Budapest to negotiate

01:20 on the matter with Orbán.

01:23 Kristersson has said he will make the trip, but only if Hungary votes to approve his country's

01:27 NATO membership.

01:28 [WHOOSH]

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