The top aide to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Balasz Orban, responded to comments made by former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, stating that Hungary should not be part of the European Union. Balasz Orban took to Twitter to assert that it is the Hungarian people who have the power to decide their own future, independent of outside influence.
Pelosi’s remarks were made during an interview with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, where she discussed the government in Rome. She expressed her belief that there are EU members who face challenges in certain areas, and specifically mentioned Hungary, stating that she does not believe it should be part of the EU. However, she also acknowledged that once a country is part of the EU, it becomes difficult to remove them.
Pelosi’s criticism of the Hungarian government is not the first time she has made controversial remarks on international affairs. She had previously criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for her immigration and LGBT policies, which diverge from those of the American ruling party. However, in the interview with Corriere della Sera, Pelosi praised Meloni for speaking English and supporting Ukraine, arguing that she should not face more scrutiny than other leaders in the bloc.
The issue of immigration and LGBT rights has been a point of contention between the United States and Hungary. In an apparent rebuke of Prime Minister Orban’s cultural agenda, President Joe Biden appointed a gay ambassador to Hungary. This move has further strained the relationship between the two countries.
Corriere della Sera caught up with Pelosi during a campaign event in Virginia, where she was honored with an honorary doctorate at the Sorbonne for her contribution to democracy. Pelosi expressed her admiration for Mario Draghi, Meloni’s predecessor as prime minister and former head of the European Central Bank, as well as her familiarity with former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.
It is worth noting that Pelosi’s actions and statements have not always been well-received internationally. In August 2022, she traveled to Taiwan against explicit warnings from China, leading to weeks of military tensions with Beijing. Despite the fallout, Pelosi dismissed the consequences, stating that it was “totally worth it.” Furthermore, following the midterm elections and her party’s loss, Pelosi stepped down as House Speaker and retired from her leadership position in the Democratic Party.
In conclusion, Balazs Orban, the top aide to Prime Minister Viktor Orban, emphasized that the decisions regarding Hungary’s future lie in the hands of the Hungarian people. Pelosi’s comments regarding Hungary’s EU membership sparked controversy, particularly in light of the ongoing disagreements between the United States and Hungary on issues such as immigration and LGBT rights. Pelosi’s remarks were part of a broader interview in which she discussed the government in Rome and expressed her admiration for certain Italian leaders.
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