"It's a scandal that they talk about my prime minister like that. This is unacceptable," said Péter Szijjártó. The foreign minister said this in response to the fact that the vice president of the United States classified the prime minister among murderers and dictators.
Kamala Harris, the vice president of the United States, said in a CBS News broadcast about several foreign leaders, including Viktor Orbán:
Dictators, autocrats and people who can rightfully be called murderers.
There has been no reaction to the statement from the Hungarian government - so far. In response to a question from the Russian state news agency RIA Novostyi, Péter Szijjártó (who recently visited Russia) made a statement about the incident.
The foreign minister told RIA Novoszty: he considers Kamala Harris's words unacceptable.
First of all, it's a scandal. It's a scandal that they talk about my prime minister like that. This is unacceptable. This is a complete lack of respect not only for the Prime Minister, but also for the Hungarian people
- said Péter Szijjártó.
Worrying start?
The head of the ministry emphasized that Viktor Orbán has been at the head of the country for 14 years based on the will of the Hungarian people.
We have always been respectful to the American people, and we expect Americans to be respectful to the Hungarian nation. This kind of statement shows complete disrespect, which is unacceptable, especially in relations between allies
Péter Szijjártó added.
When asked whether the words of Kamala Harris could have any consequences for the relations between Hungary and the United States, Péter Szijjártó indicated that this is "certainly not the best start" if he becomes the next president of the United States.
It is not the first time that Viktor Orbán has come forward
Viktor Orbán is not mentioned for the first time by the candidates in the campaign. In the presidential candidate debate with Harris, Donald Trump referred to the fact that the Hungarian prime minister also said that he is the strongest possible candidate, while his opponent is weak. He spoke about how, according to Orbán, Trump is the person who is "most feared in the world".
Ohio Senator JD Vance, who has only a year and a half legislative career, was chosen by Donald Trump as his vice presidential candidate on July 15, at the Republican convention held in Milwaukee. The politician has previously spoken highly of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on a number of issues. He stated that the United States could learn from some of the decisions of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, including the outsourcing of universities to foundations.
Vance, who even defended the Hungarian Prime Minister's close relations with China, asking the question:
Why is Viktor Orbán approaching China? Partly because the American leadership does not make smart decisions.
Along with Kim Jong-un, Hungary's prime minister was the only foreign leader mentioned by Trump in his speech at the Republican National Convention.
"Hungary is a strong country. It is run by a very strong, tough leader. He's a tough guy. The press doesn't like him because he's tough. Viktor Orbán, the Prime Minister of Hungary, is a very tough man"
said the candidate of the Republican Party in Milwaukee.
Featured image: Péter Szijjártó/Facebook
