Slovak Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok has voiced concerns over what he perceives as the European Union’s inconsistent approach toward the rule of law in Hungary. During a television interview in Slovakia, Eštok criticized the EU for its perceived silence on recent political changes under Hungary’s Prime Minister Péter Magyar, contrasting this with the EU’s historically tougher stance on similar issues.
Eštok highlighted several controversial changes in Hungary, such as the dismissal of the country’s president, amendments to the constitution, restrictions on parliamentary members, and reforms within the state-run media. He argued that the European Union’s reaction would have been more severe if these actions had been taken by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Eštok suggested that, in such a case, the EU might have responded with heightened criticism or even imposed sanctions.
The Slovak minister also questioned the European Commission’s level of scrutiny regarding these developments in Hungary, implying a lack of consistent monitoring by EU institutions. This sentiment was echoed by Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár, who previously expressed unease over the constitutional amendments affecting the Hungarian presidency, viewing them as inconsistent with the principles of the rule of law.
These statements contribute to a broader political discourse regarding the European Union’s approach to democratic and legal changes within its member states. The discussion underscores the complexities and challenges the EU faces in maintaining a uniform standard across diverse political landscapes. As Hungary continues to implement controversial reforms, the EU’s response—or lack thereof—remains a focal point of debate within the European political arena.