Hungary Demands Explanation from Sweden before Approving NATO Application
Hungary’s Minister in charge of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s office, Gergely Gulyás, has stated that an explanation regarding the criticism directed by Swedish politicians towards Hungary’s democratic development is necessary before Hungary’s parliament approves Sweden’s NATO application. Gulyás made this statement during a press conference on Wednesday.
“The Swedes must explain what has happened in the last decade. If they consider their opinion to be a mistake, it must make that clear. If they think they were right, I don’t know why they want to be in a club with us,” Gulyás commented, as reported by SVT.
Gulyás further expressed concerns about the deteriorating relationship between the two countries, saying, “We want to have a good relationship with Sweden. If we can achieve that, then there will be no obstacles to their connection.”
Meanwhile, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström, a member of the Moderate Party, believes that Hungary should proceed with Sweden’s ratification process. Billström revealed that the process has already started in the Turkish parliament and their issues will be discussed in the foreign affairs committee.
“As far as Hungary is concerned, as you know, the situation is different,” Billström said. “There the issue has been completed and could be decided by a final vote.”
Billström expects Hungary to start and complete the voting process as soon as possible, in line with the progress made by Turkey. He emphasized that Hungary should not be the last country to approve Sweden’s application.
During the recent UN week in New York, Billström spoke with his Hungarian counterpart and reiterated Sweden’s position. “Then the message was the same as it has been until now, that we will not be last. And that is a clear message. So when the Turkish process goes in for landing, we expect to see the Hungarian process do the same,” Billström concluded.
The approval process for Sweden’s NATO application remains in the spotlight as criticism and political tensions between Hungary and Sweden continue to persist.