Slovak Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok has openly criticized the European Union for what he perceives as its inconsistent approach to assessing the rule of law in Hungary. During a televised interview in Slovakia, Eštok highlighted what he sees as the EU’s muted response to recent political changes under Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar. He noted that the EU has previously adopted a much firmer stance on similar issues but has now chosen a quieter path.
Eštok was particularly concerned about a series of political changes in Hungary, such as the ousting of the country’s president, modifications to the constitution, limitations imposed on parliamentary members, and alterations affecting the public broadcasting system. He suggested that if these actions had been carried out under the leadership of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the EU’s reaction would likely have been more severe, potentially involving sharp criticism and sanctions.
The Slovak Interior Minister also raised questions about the European Commission’s scrutiny, or lack thereof, regarding Hungary’s recent political maneuvers. According to Eštok, these developments have not been subjected to the same level of examination by EU institutions as might have been expected. His remarks come as part of a broader dialogue about the EU’s approach to democratic and legal evolutions within its member states.
Earlier, Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár had also voiced his worries about the situation, especially concerning constitutional amendments that affect the presidency. Blanár argued that these changes were in conflict with established principles of the rule of law. These concerns contribute to an ongoing discussion about the EU’s effectiveness and consistency in dealing with Hungary’s governance issues.