Hungary elects Orban again

[Suff]

With a 2/3 majority.

Of course Orban sticks it to the EU, refuses to apply sanctions and "talks" about making things "better at home", which is Orban speak for forcing out rich EU businesses which want to buy heavily into depleted Hungarian business areas.

The howlers do what they do best, howl for Hungary to be suspended from their seat on the council, suspend their MEP's in the parliament and some to "kick them out" of the EU.

At a time when we need harmony across Europe to face a real existential threat, the bickering and backbiting continues.

[Workingman]

And who is the seed of the disharmony? Ah yes, one Viktor Orban.

I suppose that the other members of the EU should sit on their hands while Orban supports Putin and his 'methods'.

Nice take on the problem, though. Fits your anti EU agenda perfectly.

[Suff]

No it fits my view of the EU as it really is.

You went to great lengths to tell me that "diplomacy" was the best bet to get Russia to stand down and not attack Ukraine.

Yet is it OK for the EU to go to extreme lengths to appease Russia and stop an invasion. It is not OK for them to talk to Orban and have a look at which actions of theirs are causing this huge split in rhetoric and why the people of Hungary and Poland keep voting in leaders who tell the EU to go do one whilst the vast majority claim to be very pro EU.

But that would be a step too far wouldn't it? Understanding that something is not right and facing up to fixing it.

Apparently the French senior politicians are scared to death that the presidential election this month will be a referendum on the EU. Can't see it myself but I can see why they would be worried.

Orban might be a scumbag but he's "their" scumbag and they can choose to reign him in at the next election if he steps too far over the line. This, for Hungarians, just as it is for the Poles, is a vital part of living with the EU. They are both strong Catholic societies. They see no reason to pander to the Woke lot. They take the benefits and when EU liberalism goes too far they vote in a "controlling" faction.

Of course the EU could take a long hard look at what they are doing and why Orban gets elected, then "talk" to him and the people of Hungary.

Couldn't they?

Or they could go Full Monty and scream for the removal of their rights.

This is what Russia does. They create situations which cause dissent then they leverage them to the full. A wise oligarchy in Brussels would see that for what it is and defuse Orban by appearing to give in to what he wants whilst tying him down so he can't do it again without real pain.

Right. EU. Circus time.

[cromwell]

There is no toleration in the world now, or not much.
So Orban got elected, so what?
The Hungarians voted overwhelmingly for him, so that's that.
Western liberals like Channel 4 newsreaders having a meltdown, why? Because they don't like him and anyone they don't like shouldn't be allowed to hold office, end of.
Orban will go in time, I wish the utter intolerance of other people's point of view would go too, but it never will.

[Workingman]

No it fits my view of the EU as it really is.

You support the West / NATO sending weapons to destroy Russian troops, you said so many times; and yet you support (as does Putin) Orban who supports Putin because he puts the EU in a difficult position.

What a strange stance to take.

[Suff]

What a strange stance to take.

Perhaps, But Orban is not invading anyone and he's the one the EU is refusing EU funds too under that they call "the rule of law". The rule of their law, not Hungarian laws.

What would you do in his situation? Get together with the rest of the EU (at least those who can be bothered to align) and sing kumbaya? Or stick it to them while you can?

Life is complicated. Trying to dumb it down doesn't always get the right result.

[Workingman]

Life is complicated. Trying to dumb it down doesn't always get the right result.

You mean like the anti EU crowd in other nations? Hungary signed up to its rules and now will not work with it even though being a member is to its benefit?

The Hungarian population is about 80% pro EU but is also nationalistic. It's a problem. Anyone thought about talking to them?

[Suff]

The Hungarian population is about 80% pro EU but is also nationalistic. It's a problem. Anyone thought about talking to them?

What about why they keep saying they're way FOR the EU but keep voting in a president who is way NOT for the EU?

Interesting question. I'd love to hear the answer.

As for talking to them? Why talk when you can threaten? Because that is what is happening.