Slovak Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok has openly criticized the European Union for what he perceives as inconsistent standards in evaluating Hungary’s adherence to the rule of law. In a televised interview, Eštok pointed out that the EU has largely overlooked recent political shifts under Hungary’s Prime Minister Péter Magyar. This perceived leniency contrasts with the EU’s previously stringent reactions to similar situations.
Eštok highlighted several controversial changes in Hungary, including the dismissal of the country’s president, constitutional revisions, constraints on parliamentary members, and alterations to the public broadcasting system. He argued that if these measures had been implemented by Hungary’s former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the EU’s response would likely have been more critical, potentially involving severe censure or sanctions.
The Slovak minister also raised concerns about the European Commission’s seemingly muted reaction to Hungary’s recent political adjustments, suggesting that they have not been subjected to the same rigorous scrutiny by EU authorities. His comments echo earlier statements made by Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár, who questioned the compatibility of Hungary’s constitutional changes with the principles of the rule of law, particularly those affecting the presidency.
These criticisms contribute to the broader political discourse on how the European Union addresses democratic and legal transformations in its member states, with Hungary often at the center of this ongoing debate. The situation raises questions about the consistency and fairness of the EU’s oversight and the potential implications for its credibility in upholding democratic values across the continent.