Fidesz said that the Merkel meeting with Orbán had contributed not only to strengthening bilateral relations but to building an even stronger Europe. Radical nationalist Jobbik said Orbán had rightly declared at his joint press conference with Merkel that Europe needs trade relations with Russia.

Yet the Hungarian government recently lent its support for sanctions against Russia, Jobbik lawmaker Tibor Bana said. However, he welcomed Orbán’s statement for a full commitment to a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine- Russia conflict as well as Hungary’s related neutrality.

The opposition Socialists welcomed the German chancellor standing by social, Christian and liberal values. It is clear that Merkel and Hungary’s democratic opposition think along the same line as regards democracy, “whereas Viktor Orbán again said ‘no’ to a system built on human freedoms,” party leader József Tóbiás said.

The opposition green LMP said Orbán should accept Merkel’s advice and diversify energy supplies, as well as treat NGOs as partners. Orbán should also realise that his concept for illiberal democracy has not met with wideranging support within his own party group in Europe, Bernadett Szél, the party co-leader, said.

The Együtt (Together) party said Orbán had continued to steer Hungary away from Europe by having failed to state a full commitment to European values. Nóra Hajdu called on Orbán to take the German chancellor’s advice and accept that the opposition, civil society and the media are important players in a democracy.

The leftist opposition Democratic Coalition branded Orbán’s “form” at Monday’s joint press conference with Merkel as “pathetic” and accused him of telling “lies”. Merkel had, with her usual politeness and reserve, “not loudly but very clearly” condemned the performance of the Hungarian government, DK insisted.

Dialogue for Hungary said it had become clear that the German chancellor and the Hungarian prime minister had been unable to settle the conflicts and divergences of opinion that had existed between the two countries for “many years”.

Benedek Jávor, an MEP representing the party, said it was clear the premier was swinging his weight behind Russia since he prized a good relationship with the Russian president far more than committing himself to Europe’s unified energy and foreign policies.

Source www.hungarymatters.hu

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