Germany to impose sanctions on Orban for defying EU values
Germany wants to say "stop" to Viktor Orban's anti-EU and pro-Russian rhetoric, as well as 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 extensive. The Hungarian government leader has been accused for years of undermining the rule of law, restricting media freedom, controlling the judiciary, and suppressing the opposition. Budapest's policy is described as anti-European and even supportive towards Russia.
The likely new Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, aims to halt the actions of the Hungarian Prime Minister. The new German ruling coalition plans to impose severe sanctions on Hungary, which includes blocking European funds and suspending Hungary's voting rights in the Council of the European Union.
The penalties are also intended as a response to Orban's consistent blocking of EU sanctions against Russian oligarchs and politicians. "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."
Additionally, Merz plans to focus on building an alliance with France and Poland as a counter to the actions of the Hungarian government. 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 penalising Viktor Orban's government.
