Experienced German diplomat Wolfgang Ischinger believes that Viktor Orbán’s defeat as Hungary’s Prime Minister paves the way for greater European support for Ukraine. Speaking to “Stern” the director of the Munich Security Conference stated that Orbán’s downfall removes a significant disruptive element, noting that his disagreements with Zelensky have been very personal. Ischinger suggested that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico would struggle to maintain his position as the sole “veto player” for long without Orbán’s backing. He added that the pressure on Fico will become too much, indicating that the 90 billion Euro financial aid for Ukraine will be released in the near future. Characterizing the Hungarian election as a “massive” sign, Ischinger remarked, “In a time when the EU is under pressure from various sides, this result strengthens the collective European self-confidence. Alongside all the complaints about excessive bureaucracy, one can also note after an event like this: Europe is alive”.
Meanwhile, Manfred Weber, the EVP parliamentary group leader (CSU), also assessed Orbán’s ousting in Hungary during the ZDF-Heute-Journal as indicative for Europe. Weber described Orbán as having held Europe captive for years and calling him the figurehead of the right-wing populists. “That he was voted out with such a clear result is a historical milestone for Europe”. However, Weber warned against placing sole reliance on the change in power in Budapest. He argued that the EU must fundamentally reform its structures to prevent future blockades, referencing Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s (CDU) proposal to review the principle of unanimity for foreign policy decisions and sanctions resolutions. “Europe needs the ability to act-and this question remains relevant even without Viktor Orbán”.