Austria’s EU Representative Criticizes Hungarian Government
Austrian EU representative Lena Schilling, a Green, has voiced strong criticism against the Hungarian government under Viktor Orbán, in response to the planned ban on this year’s Budapest Pride. Schilling views the move as a clear attack on the freedom of assembly and a systematic suppression of the LGBTIQ+ community in Hungary.
Schilling is calling for the EU to take far-reaching measures against Hungary, including the suspension of EU funds and the withdrawal of Hungary’s voting rights in the EU Council. “A dictator who tramples on human rights and regularly blackmails Europe cannot be a friend of Austria” Schilling stated in reference to Viktor Orbán.
She also criticized Austria’s European Minister, Claudia Plakolm, who recently described the relationship with the Orbán government as a “deep friendship.” Schilling characterized this statement as a “dangerous downplaying” of the political situation in Hungary.
The EU has already shown that financial sanctions can be an effective means of addressing the issue, the green politician emphasized. “How much longer do we want to let Viktor Orbán lead us around by the nose?” Schilling asked, demanding that Hungary be denied further EU funds.
As a sign of solidarity with the queer community in Hungary, Schilling plans to personally participate in the Budapest Pride on June 28.