Slovak Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok has leveled criticism at the European Union, accusing it of inconsistency in its approach towards Hungary’s rule of law matters. During a television appearance in Slovakia, Eštok voiced concerns that the EU has not been vocal enough about the political changes occurring under Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar, contrasting this with the EU’s previously stringent reactions to similar issues.
Eštok highlighted several controversial measures in Hungary, including the dismissal of the country’s president, constitutional amendments, and restrictions imposed on parliament members, alongside reforms within the public broadcasting system. He suggested that if such changes had been made under the administration of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the EU would have likely issued harsher criticisms and potentially enforced sanctions.
The Slovak Interior Minister further questioned why the European Commission has not subjected recent Hungarian developments to the same level of examination as it has in past instances. This sentiment was echoed by Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár, who also raised alarms, particularly about constitutional changes affecting the presidency, which he argued conflicted with the principles of the rule of law.
The comments from both Slovak officials contribute to an ongoing dialogue concerning the EU’s approach to democratic and legal developments in Hungary. The debate centers on whether the EU is maintaining a consistent standard when evaluating the rule of law across its member states, with particular focus on Hungary’s recent political maneuvers.