Germany to counter Orban's pro‑Russian stance with sanctions
Germany wants to say "stop" to Viktor Orban's anti-EU and pro-Russian rhetoric and his domestic policies. Friedrich Merz, who is soon to become the Chancellor of Germany, has announced decisive actions against Hungarian politics. Sanctions against Budapest are currently being discussed due to concerns over breaches of democratic principles and the rule of law.
The list of accusations against Viktor Orban is very long. The Hungarian government's leader has been accused for years of violating the rule of law, restricting media freedom, subjugating courts, and combating the opposition. Budapest's policy is described as anti-European and even favourable to Russia.
The likely new Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, wants to halt the actions of the Hungarian Prime Minister. The new German ruling coalition plans to impose severe sanctions on Hungary. This includes blocking European funds and suspending Hungary's voting rights in the Council of the European Union.
The penalties are also meant as a response to Orban's actions, who has been blocking EU sanctions against Russian oligarchs and politicians for years. "Politico" states that, "Germany’s incoming government says it will press the European Union to finally add some bite to its bark over misbehaving countries ― in a thinly veiled reference to Viktor Orbán’s Hungary."
Instead, Merz plans to focus on building an alliance with France and Poland as a response to the Hungarian government's actions. Germany will also move away from the policy of avoiding a clear stance on key EU issues. This is the so-called German voice. The first manifestation of this strategy will be voting in favour of imposing sanctions on Hungary. Berlin will strongly advocate for penalizing Viktor Orban's government.
