EU softens criticism of Orbán before election

European Union softens criticism of Orban before Hungarian elections

The European Union has reduced the level of public criticism of the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on the eve of the parliamentary elections in the country. This was reported by the Financial Times with reference to sources in European institutions.

According to the newspaper, Brussels fears that harsh statements against the Hungarian authorities could be perceived as interference in the electoral process.

Possible funding for Budapest

In parallel, the European Commission is considering the possibility of allocation of about €2.4 billion to Hungary, despite previous reservations about the rule of law in the country.

This decision may indicate the EU's desire to avoid political escalation before the vote and maintain working relations with Budapest.

The pre-election balance of power

Parliamentary elections in Hungary are scheduled for 12 April.
According to opinion polls, the opposition party «Tisa» led by Peter Magyar is ahead of Orban's ruling party «Fidesz».

This creates intrigue around the results of the vote and increases the political sensitivity of any statements from the EU.

Context.

Relations between Brussels and the Orban government have remained tense for several years now due to disputes over the

• independence of the judiciary;

• media freedom;

• adherence to the rule of law.

These issues have previously been the basis for blocking of European funding for Hungary. However, in the run-up to the election, the tone of the EU's statements softened considerably.