Should Hungary continue its efforts to remain in the European People’s Party (EPP)?
In my opinion – barring an exceptionally positive change – there is no reason.
The majority of the EPP voted in the European Parliament for the resolution condemning Hungary and Poland for the alleged deterioration of the rule of law in the two countries, and with that action, has made a clear decision. The EPP has in effect condemned and stigmatized a member of its own political family.
Even worse, the resolution itself has no other tangible consequence or justification other than to stoke negative sentiment against Hungary and Poland, a clear goal of the leftist, liberal and green parties. Article 7 procedures are already underway and the European Parliament really no longer has any say in them.
This also means that the EPP could have chosen to stay away from the entire charade. It chose not to.
And it appears the situation is only getting worse. While in the autumn of 2018, only one-third of EPP representatives approved the Sargentini report, now a clear majority of them pushed the same button targeting Hungary, with the notable exception of Berlusconi’s party and the French and Spanish conservatives.
So I ask again: Is there any reason to remain in the EPP?
Viktor Orbán is, of course, right that all avenues should be exhausted and further talks are necessary in order to show the world that if he makes a decision to leave, it would not be driven by spite, but made after careful consideration.
What are the arguments for staying in the EPP? First and foremost, the obvious political weight of the group and particularly that of the German CDU-CSU within it. But it seems as if those German family members have already turned their back to Hungary and are now paving the way for others to do so as well.
If Hungary makes the effort to remain, we will end up in a situation where every word of gesture of ours will be subject to great scrutiny and admonishment, like in a bad marriage.
Hungarians with a national and Christian conviction value two things above all: their freedom and independence. In this sense, we shouldn’t be afraid to say goodbye, allowing us to soar on without any further restraint from the so-called conservatives from the EPP.
After all, there are better allies to be had in Europe, many who won’t turn on you the second the liberal media names you a target.
Title image: European People’s Party logo
