Slovak Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok has openly criticized the European Union for what he perceives as inconsistencies in its evaluation of Hungary’s adherence to the rule of law. During a televised interview in Slovakia, Eštok accused the EU of exhibiting a double standard by maintaining a muted response to recent governmental changes under Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar, despite having been more vocal in the past about similar issues.
Eštok pointed to a series of political alterations in Hungary, including the ousting of the country’s president, modifications to the constitution, new restrictions impacting parliament members, and changes affecting the public broadcaster. He suggested that if these actions had been taken by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the EU would likely have reacted with more severe criticism and perhaps even sanctions.
Adding to the discourse, Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár also voiced his apprehension, specifically regarding constitutional amendments that impact the presidency, arguing these changes are at odds with the principles of the rule of law. Eštok echoed these concerns, questioning the European Commission’s apparent lack of rigorous scrutiny in response to Hungary’s recent political developments.
This commentary from Slovakia contributes to the broader political conversation about how the European Union addresses democratic and legal issues within its member states, particularly in relation to Hungary. Eštok’s remarks highlight ongoing debates over the EU’s approach and consistency in upholding democratic standards across the bloc.