The accession of the Hungarians to the conservative faction could radically reshape Brussels politics, as the nationalist, Eurosceptic and anti-immigration ECR could thus become the third largest faction in the union.
Some of Europe's leading right-wing politicians, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, would welcome Fidesz in Strasbourg, in the European Conservatives and Reformers (ECR) camp, reports Bloomberg. Meloni, who heads the group, and the former Polish Prime Minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, have also discussed this matter with Viktor Orbán in recent weeks, stipulating that "the outspoken Hungarian Prime Minister" changes his position on Ukraine, among other things, as a condition for joining.
Such a move could radically reshape Brussels politics, since, together with the Fidesz representatives, the nationalist, Eurosceptic and anti-immigration ECR could become the third largest faction in the EU after the European Parliament elections in June, with, by definition, greater economic and social influence.
„I talked to Viktor Orbán about this, and I understand that he is considering joining the ECR. If this happens, we would be even more able to act for a better Europe," Morawiecki, head of the Polish Law and Justice parliamentary delegation, said in an interview.
In this case, the ECR could win eighty-eighty parliamentary seats if the European elections were held today, at least according to a recent poll by Europe Elects.
At the same time, it would be a challenge for the large right-wing coalition formed in this way to coordinate the positions regarding Ukraine, "especially considering that Hungary is led by the EU's most pro-Kremlin government, while the other members of the ECR strongly support Kiev. This is especially true for the Law and Justice party, which currently has the most seats in the ECR bloc," the authors of the article believe.
However, according to Morawiecki, common goals are more important than differences: more powers for individual countries, reduction of EU bureaucracy, greater security by reducing immigration, and less self-harming policies in all areas.
This strategy, writes Bloomberg, also carries a risk for Meloni, who is new to European politics, since "it is not easy to rein in Orbán, who has been in power for five terms - the EU's longest-serving prime minister. Especially since he himself seeks to unite the continent's nationalist parties”.
In addition, the Hungarian Prime Minister does not have very good experience in the field of forming alliances in Brussels, since Fidesz was forced out of the European People's Party three years ago.
„Viktor Orbán is not a person who can be softened up easily. If it joins the ECR, it will be a very clear signal of what the bloc stands for," Nicolas Schmit, the head of the EU's social rights and the leader of the Socialists' election campaign, emphasized in an interview.
For Viktor Orbán, the newspaper claims, there are also benefits in the short term if he makes an agreement with the Melonis now, as this way he would gain more support before the Hungarian EU presidency due in the second half of the year. In his recent comments to the press, the Hungarian Prime Minister treated the agreement almost as a fait accompli, and Fidesz's accession before the June elections is unlikely.
„We need to join forces on many different fronts to save Europe. The ECR accepts everyone who agrees with us against the ruling liberal and leftist groups, which are interested in destroying the continent," Morawiecki emphasized in this regard.
Cover image: Prime Minister Viktor Orbán (j) receives Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the Carmelite Monastery on September 14, 2023.
Source: MTI/Prime Minister's Press Office/Benko Vivien Cher
