Máté Kocsis vowed that the ruling parties would “fight” to make sure movement is made towards peace and negotiations. Meanwhile, Hungarian leftist parties represent pro-war interests at odds with Hungarian interests, whereas the government is fighting against the escalation of war with a pro-peace parliamentary resolution and by pushing for negotiations, he said in an interview to public radio.

Leftist parties promoted the cause of war during the general election campaign, calling for weapons and soldiers to be sent to Ukraine, Kocsis said.

Hungarians leftists “have the task, in exchange for dollars, to represent a pro-war stance in Hungary, because that’s what is in the American interest,” he said, adding that many European countries appeared to be going the same direction.

He said the war had widened, and instead of using their power, influence and military superiority to an immediate ceasefire, Western powers “are drifting further and further into the war by supplying ever more effective and powerful weapons”.

“We are steps away from western European or other Western countries sending soldiers to Ukraine, which we think is something we should avoid at all costs,” he said.

Put to him that leftist parties had suggested that Hungary should adopt a similar UN resolution, Kocsis said the Hungarian parliament should prioritise Hungarian interests. Kocsis said the ruling parties would work strenuously for peace negotiations and the prevention of the war’s escalation.

The opposition rejected backing the pro-peace declaration in the same way they rejected the government’s stance on migration, coronavirus vaccines and energy sanctions, he insisted.

The resolution is the strongest political response to the pressure and challenges Hungary faces, he added. Regarding the NATO integration of Finland and Sweden, Kocsis noted that Fidesz lawmakers supported Finland’s accession.

The ruling parties are still divided on certain issues regarding Sweden joining the alliance, so talks are ongoing, he said.