Orban calls for ‘change’ in EU address, lawmakers slam his democratic backsliding
Hungary's nationalist leader Viktor Orban made his case for "change" in Europe in a headline address to the EU parliament on Wednesday. His speech was greeted by denunciations as lawmakers took turns to lambast Orban's democratic backsliding and pro-Russian positions.
Top EU officials took turns assailing Hungary's Viktor Orban Wednesday over democratic backsliding and his Russia-friendly stance on Ukraine, as the nationalist leader delivered a headline address to the bloc's parliament.
As President Vladimir Putin's closest ally within the European Union, Orban's government is at loggerheads with its partners on a host of issues -- from stalling aid for Kyiv, to what the bloc sees as weakening the rule of law at home.
In Strasbourg to present the "priorities" of Hungary's norm-defying EU presidency, Orban declared that "the European Union needs to change, and I would like to convince you about that today."
"There is only one path to achieve a just peace for Ukraine and for Europe, we must continue to empower Ukraine's resistance with political, financial and military support," von der Leyen said.
'Propaganda show'
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