Germany targets Hungary with EU sanctions under new leadership
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 set to become the Chancellor of Germany, announces 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 violating the rule of law and restricting media freedom, subjugating the courts, and suppressing the opposition. Budapest's policies are described as anti-European and even favorable to Russia.
The likely new Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, wants to halt the actions of the Hungarian Prime Minister. The incoming 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 ongoing actions, such as blocking 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."
Instead, Merz plans to focus on building an alliance with France and Poland as a response to the actions of the Hungarian government. Germany will also depart from the policy of avoiding a clear stance on key EU issues. This is regarded as the so-called German voice. The first manifestation of this strategy will be to vote in favor of imposing sanctions on Hungary. Berlin will strongly advocate for penalizing Viktor Orban's government.
