The White House: “Hungary has engaged in an assault on democratic institutions”
Hungary took centre stage at a recent White House press conference, drawing the attention of journalists seeking insights from Senior National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Despite initial reluctance, Sullivan reiterated the US stance on democracy and corruption, sparking a fiery exchange on Thursday morning with Hungary’s Péter Szijjártó, who accused Sullivan of spreading falsehoods.
Deepening rift between Hungary and the US
As Index writes, tension has been growing between Hungary and the United States, as highlighted by a recent meeting between Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán and former US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Florida. Joe Biden’s criticism of Trump’s meeting with Orbán only added fuel to the fire:
You know who he’s meeting with today, down in Mar-a-Lago? Orbán of Hungary, who stated flatly he doesn’t think democracy works and is looking for dictatorship.
As we have reported HERE, the Hungarian government summoned the US ambassador over President Joe Biden’s recent remark on PM Viktor Orbán. FM Péter Szijjártó said, “We refuse to tolerate lies, even from the President of the United States.”
Jake Sullivan questioned about Biden’s comment
As Index also notes, during the White House press conference, tension peaked as reporters pressed Sullivan on Biden’s earlier statement. Heinrich asked, “Is it the position of the United States government that Hungary, a NATO Ally, is a dictatorship?” Sullivan was reluctant to answer. However, he stated clearly that the Biden administration has always had ‘deep concerns’ about “democratic institutions, including the judiciary; Hungary’s corruption; and other erosion of democracy in Hungary from the leadership there.”
While Sullivan thought this answer had put an end to the matter, it was not the case. Jacqui Heinrich persisted in asking whether Hungary was deemed a dictatorship. Sullivan advised Heinrich to direct such queries to the campaign. Ultimately, Sullivan concluded the discussion by stating:
As I said before, our position is that Hungary has engaged in an assault on democratic institutions, and that remains a source of grave concern to us. And I take it from your question it may be of grave concern to you as well.
The Hungary issue resurfaced later during questioning by Peter Baker, The New York Times’ White House correspondent. He noted the summoning of the US Pressman by Hungary’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and queried whether the president regretted his earlier remarks in light of this development. Additionally, he sought Sullivan’s response to Szijjártó’s accusation of Biden’s dishonesty. Sullivan addressed these queries:
Of course, the President stands firmly behind his statement, and I’m not retracting it. Our position aligns completely with the facts you’ve presented and is well-documented, contrary to any falsehoods.
FM Szijjártó’s response
FM Szijjártó wasted no time in responding to the press conference and Sullivan’s assertions. Taking to Facebook, he wrote: “Jake Sullivan’s remarks underscore the difficulty American Democrats face in acknowledging that amidst Europe’s progressive liberal landscape, Hungary stands firm as an island where we boldly declare: no war, no gender, no migration!” He emphasised their unwavering commitment to peace and family values while rejecting aggressive gender narratives and illegal migration.
Read also:
- Zelensky: Hungary is playing a dangerous game
- Orbán cabinet: the United States puts constant pressure onto Hungary
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