Viktor Orbán’s deputies boycotted a parliamentary session discussing Sweden’s accession to NATO. This could create additional barriers to the country’s accession to the Alliance.
On Monday, members of Viktor Orbán’s “Fidesz” party didn’t show up for a meeting called by the Hungarian opposition to approve the ratification of Sweden’s NATO membership.
The next opportunity for ratification will be on February 26, when the Hungarian parliament resumes its work after the winter break.
Importantly, Hungary remains so far the only country in NATO that has not ratified the Swedish bid.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that his government supports Sweden’s accession to NATO. However, the relevant draft law has been blocked in parliament since mid-2022.
Lawmakers from Hungary’s ruling party, which is under the strict control of Viktor Orbán, said they plan to delay ratification until the Swedish prime minister visits Budapest. They see the visit as necessary to resolve tensions between the two countries over Stockholm’s alleged criticism of Hungary’s democratic processes.
