Belgian MEP proposes expelling Fidesz from EPP

A Belgian MEP has proposed kicking Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party out of the European People’s Party (EPP).

Pascal Arimont of Belgium’s Christian Social Party, which sits in the EPP group, insisted that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had acted beyond acceptable norms on numerous occasions. Interviewed by Belgian public service television, he acknowledged, however, that his proposal was unlikely to receive sufficient backing.

He said the EPP was divided on the matter: most members currently believe the only way to rein in the Hungarian prime minister would be to embrace him.

Arimont referred to Orbán’s election campaign as “extremely anti-Brussels and xenophobic”, insisting that it was “right” to ask what would happen were Fidesz to be an EPP member or not.

If the Hungarian government fails to withdraw laws the European Commission says are in breach of European rules, then consideration should be given to excluding Fidesz, he said.

Though suspending its membership may be another option until the European Court of Justice has ruled on ongoing procedures concerning suspected Hungarian violations of EU law, he added.

Featured image: MTI

Source: MTI