Slovak Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok has criticized the European Union for what he perceives as inconsistent standards in its evaluation of the rule of law in Hungary. In a televised interview, Eštok expressed his concerns about the EU’s seemingly muted response to recent political changes under the leadership of Prime Minister Péter Magyar, contrasting it with the EU’s historically firmer stance on similar issues.
Eštok specifically pointed to several controversial changes in Hungary, such as the removal of the president, constitutional amendments, and new restrictions impacting parliamentary members, along with reforms affecting the public broadcaster. He suggested that had these changes been implemented by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the EU’s reaction would likely have been more severe, potentially involving criticism and sanctions.
The Slovak interior minister also questioned the level of scrutiny Hungary’s recent developments have received from the European Commission. He implied that the EU’s institutions have not adequately addressed the situation, despite the significant nature of the changes. This sentiment echoes the concerns previously voiced by Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár, who argued that Hungary’s constitutional changes, particularly those affecting the presidency, are at odds with established rule-of-law principles.
These remarks from Slovak officials contribute to the broader political discourse regarding the EU’s approach to democratic and legal transformations in its member states, particularly focusing on Hungary. The debate highlights ongoing tensions and differing perspectives on how the EU should manage and respond to internal governance issues within its borders.