European Parliamentarians Urge Suspension of Hungary’s EU Voting Rights

Over 60 Members of the European Parliament are calling on EU leadership to suspend Hungary’s voting rights within the EU, citing actions by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The letter, reported by Politico, was addressed to Ursula von der Leyen, Charles Michel, and Robert Metsola, who are the heads of the European Commission, European Council, and European Parliament, respectively.

The signatories allege that Orbán has abused his role as head of Hungary in the EU Council by pursuing policies incompatible with EU values and distorting his responsibilities during visits to Russia and China. They argue for concrete actions, such as suspending Hungary’s voting rights, asserting that verbal condemnations have proven ineffective.

The letter includes signatures from MEPs representing various countries and parliamentary groups, including the European People’s Party, Renew Europe, and the Greens. Ursula von der Leyen has responded by canceling the European Commission’s visit to Hungary and adjusting its level of representation at meetings chaired by Hungary.

Earlier legal assessments by the EU determined that Orbán’s negotiations with Putin contradicted EU agreements. Reports indicate that EU member states are exploring potential penalties for Hungary in response to these developments.