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'


Read more on FRANCE 24 English

Read also:
MEPs challenge Viktor Orban on 'European values': Hungary’s controversial EU presidency
Orban cannot act in Europe’s name, Renew Europe chief Valérie Hayer says
Hungary's Orban visits Trump at Mar-a-Lago following NATO summit