Orban -- Hungary will ask the people if they want sanctions against Russia

 Hungary will ask the people if they want sanctions against Russia: Orban

HOLY

26.09.2022

Author:Objectively

 

 

Viktor Orban

Hungary must prepare for a protracted war in neighboring Ukraine, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said, sharply criticizing European Union sanctions on Russia that he said had backfired on the EU by driving up energy prices.

Orban, long at odds with the EU over some of his policies seen in Brussels as anti-democratic, called for a ceasefire to end the war and said sanctions against Russia were hurting the European economy.

Orban, who was re-elected for a fourth consecutive term in April, now faces rising inflation, denting consumer confidence and the prospect of a recession next year.

He told parliament it was no surprise governments were falling in Europe, referring to Italy's election on Sunday, after which Giorgia Meloni looks set to lead Italy's most right-wing government since World War II.

"We can safely say that as a result of the sanctions, Europeans have become poorer, while Russia has not fallen to its knees," Orban said. "This weapon backfired, with Europe shooting itself in the foot."

"We are waiting for an answer, all of Europe is waiting for an answer from Brussels about how long we will continue to do this," he said, adding that it was time to "discuss sanctions with the US."

Orban, whose government is in talks with the European Commission to secure billions of euros in EU funds blocked because of "EC concerns about the rule of law in Hungary", said his government would launch a "national consultation", asking Hungarians what they think on the sanctions against Russia.

SOURCE: Reuters