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Hungary’s Ruling Party Leaves Largest European Group Amid Tensions

By Stefan J. Bos Chief International Correspondent reporting from Budapest, Hungary

(Worthy News) – The ruling Fidesz party of Hungary’s outspoken Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has left the largest center-right political group within the European Parliament after tensions over his perceived autocratic style.

The European People’s Party (EPP) had accused Orbán, who leads Fidesz, of violating democratic standards, the rule of law, and human rights.

EPP leaders questioned his control over media, academics, courts, non-governmental organizations, and even churches, as well as his anti-migration and anti-European Union rhetoric.

Orbán also came under EPP pressure over the mismanagement of billions in EU funding that enriched family members, friends, and allies.

And, the EPP was frustrated about Orbán’s attempt to move the group towards a more radical right-wing direction.

Orbán has denied wrongdoing and said he “doesn’t deal with business” when asked by reporters why several people close to him became euro billionaires or millionaires.

The EPP-Fidesz divorce ends a turbulent 21-year marriage. “I hereby inform you that Fidesz [members of the EU’s European Parliament] resign their membership in the EPP Group,” Orbán wrote to faction leader Manfred Weber.

Fidesz’s departure from the EPP was due to reduce Orbán’s influence in Brussels, the EU’s capital, where most European policy decisions are made.

Fidesz was expected to join a smaller EP faction, the European Conservatives and Reformist Party, which is primarily made up of members of the ruling Polish Law and Justice party.

Like Hungary, Poland has faced EU pressure over its perceived violation of democratic standards. Another, less likely, option is Fidesz joining the Identity and Democracy Party faction, where far-right parties of Marine Le Pen and Matteo Salvini have large contingents.

Orbán’s decision for Fidesz to leave the EPP came ahead of a vote on expulsion that he was expected to lose.

While usually a two-thirds majority is needed for expulsion, that is not the case if an EPP member party has already been suspended. Fidesz was suspended two years ago amid rising tensions.

Leaving the EPP comes at a difficult moment for the firebrand 57-year-old leader amid an ongoing coronavirus pandemic and economic challenges.

Orbán’s Fidesz party has been suffering in opinion polls ahead of an election year that could challenge his more than a decade grip on power.