Budapest Post

Cum Deo pro Patria et Libertate
Budapest, Europe and world news

How to Occupy Brussels?

In a recent speech at the National Museum, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán emphasized the country's quest for respect and sovereignty within the European Union.
"By compromising, we have demonstrated that if we receive respect, we reciprocate and create a peaceful and prosperous era as far as the eye can see. It seems, however, that Brussels alone refuses to understand this. Therefore, if we wish to maintain Hungary's freedom and sovereignty, we have no choice but to occupy Brussels. In 1848, we stopped at Schwechat. Not this time. We will march to Brussels and make the change in the European Union ourselves. We are no novices; as a state with 1,100 years of experience, we are seasoned and resilient, knowing exactly how to enter the gates and reorganize the European Union. It's time for the regency council in Brussels to take notice," Orbán said on March 15th.

Orbán has long advocated for Hungary not to conform to the political expectations of the West but to transform them instead. This is an ambitious goal for a ten-million-member state with increasingly few allies in the European Union. Thus, it's worth considering what practical steps Hungary could take to achieve this political intent.

On June 9, 2024, two significant elections will be held. However, Orbán's speech mainly emphasized the European Parliament elections, with little mention of the municipal elections. The conquest of Brussels, or rather, the takeover of political power, is undeniably more about the former.

The European Parliament is composed of 705 representatives from 27 member states. The largest bloc is the European People's Party, which Fidesz was once part of before leaving ahead of potential expulsion. The European Commission, which roughly serves as the government of Europe, needs the support of over half of these 705 representatives to lead the EU effectively. Although the Parliament does not initiate legislation that power belongs solely to the European Commission the Parliament's approval is required to adopt laws, usually by a simple majority. Even the election of the Commission requires this majority.

Currently, the Parliament's leading coalition comprises three parties:

- The European People's Party (EPP),

- The Socialists and Democrats,

- The liberal Renew Europe,

holding a total of 429 mandates out of 705. This centrist coalition is regularly supported by parts of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), which is right of the EPP but shares a stance against Russia and an Atlanticist view, and some independents.

Without a party family, Fidesz has little influence in Parliament. Being part of a smaller delegation could potentially boost their standing. Two possibile alliances include the ECR and the Identity and Democracy (ID) group, the latter comprising more radical right-wing parties and being less hostile towards Russia. Orbán has tried to unite these right-wing factions, but fundamental disagreements, particularly regarding Russia, and internal competition within countries have hindered this effort.

Poll aggregators like Politico's Poll of Polls suggest the ID could grow significantly in the upcoming elections. However, even with potential gains, achieving a dominant position seems unlikely due to the extensive diversity of electoral systems and political cultures across the 27 member states. Radical shifts seem improbable, leaving little chance for a "conquest of Brussels" at the Parliament level.

An alternative route to influence might be the European Council, where the heads of state or government of EU countries meet. Orbán's recent speech also pointed out potential political shifts in several countries which could change the balance of power in his favor. However, many significant nations, with elections that could more seriously impact the continent's direction, such as Germany and France, won't vote this year.

Therefore, the pathway to "occupying Brussels," as Orbán suggests, remains uncertain. While there may be opportunities for Hungary to lessen its isolation, achieving significant influence in the European Union through electoral means appears challenging.
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
In Budapest, Hungary, there are no fake Islamic asylum seekers and it is a true paradise.
Putin Shows Interest in a 30-Day Ceasefire in Ukraine During Ongoing Conflict
Trump Discusses Possible Ceasefire in Ukraine as Tensions Continue
EU and Canada Unveil Retaliatory Tariffs in Response to U.S. Steel and Aluminum Duties
Romania Excludes Prominent Presidential Contender Călin Georgescu from Election Repetition
Russian Teacher Under Investigation After Explicit Content Incident in Classroom
Poland Plans Comprehensive Military Training for All Adult Males Amid Enhanced Defense Initiatives
Lithuania Withdraws from Cluster Munitions Convention Amid Security Concerns
Trump Discovers It Simpler to Negotiate with Russia Compared to Ukraine During Ongoing Conflict
Macron Cautions Against Growing Russian Aggression as U.S. Support for Ukraine Changes
EU Member States Endorse Gradual Rollout of Entry/Exit System
President Trump Indicates Willingness to Reestablish Relations with Ukraine in Light of Recent Tensions
Europe Investigates the Use of Frozen Russian Assets to Aid Ukraine
Macron Calls on Europe to Bolster Defense in Light of Russian Threats and Possible U.S. Withdrawal
Germany Supports Looser EU Fiscal Policies to Boost Defense Expenditures
Pope Francis's Health Update: Vatican Reports Stable Condition
MPs from Various Parties Express Worry About Proposed Reductions to the UK Aid Budget
U.S. Creates Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve, Leading to Market Upsurge
Zelenskyy Convenes with UK Prime Minister Starmer in Light of Strains with the US
Here, unelected President Zelensky meets with two top American democratically elected officials who are neither stupid, nor bribed, nor blind
Pope Francis Admitted to Hospital for Pneumonia Faces Breathing Emergency
Andrew and Tristan Tate Leave Romania During Ongoing Legal Matters
Katy Perry to Participate in All-Female Space Mission with Blue Origin
US President Asserts NATO Membership for Ukraine Is Off the Table
Bosnian Serb Leader Sentenced to One Year in Jail for Defying International Envoy
Apple Resolves iPhone Dictation Bug That Linked 'Racist' to 'Trump'
Trump Confirms Zelensky’s Visit Amid U.S.-Ukraine Mineral Deal Talks
Proposal Introduced for $250 Bill Featuring Donald Trump
Trump Announces 25% Tariffs on European Imports, Citing Unfair Trade Practices
Germany's Election Outcomes: Migrants Confront Insecurity as Far-Right Support Grows
Macron Stresses Ukraine's Independence During US-Russia Peace Discussions
Putin Describes Zelensky as a 'Toxic Figure' in Ukraine's Political Landscape
The US aligns with Russia in opposing a UN resolution that condemns the invasion of Ukraine.
Unelected President Zelenskiy suggests he would resign solely in the event of the improbable: Ukraine's accession to NATO.
German Election Polls Indicate Change as Conservatives Take the Lead and Far Right Increases Support
The Enigma of QR Codes on Gravestones in Munich Unraveled
Research Explores Possible Connection Between COVID-19 Vaccines and Post-Vaccination Syndrome
German Conservatives Achieve Electoral Success in the Wake of Significant Advances by the Far-Right AfD
German Chancellor Concedes Party Loss in National Elections
Trump Commends German Election Results as a 'Wonderful Day for Germany'
German Political Figures Respond to Election Outcomes
Initial Exit Polls Show Conservatives in the Lead in German Elections
Ukrainian President Zelensky Shows Reluctance Regarding US Minerals Deal
Germany Gears Up for Crucial Election Amidst Political Uncertainty
Vatican Declares Pope Francis' Health Status as 'Critical'
U.S. and Hungarian Officials Talk About Economic Collaboration and Sanctions Strategy
Technology Giants Activate Lobbying Campaigns Against Strict EU Regulations
Pope Francis Admitted to Hospital in Rome Amid Increasing Speculation on Succession
Zelensky Calls on World Leaders to Back Peace as Tensions Rise with Trump
UK Leader Keir Starmer Calls for US Security Guarantee in Ukraine Peace Deal
×