Slovak Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok has accused the European Union of double standards in its evaluation of Hungary’s adherence to the rule of law. During an appearance on Slovak television, Eštok criticized the European Union for its relatively muted response to recent political actions taken by Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s government. These actions, he suggested, would have likely elicited a stronger reaction from the EU had they been implemented by Hungary’s former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Among the developments drawing Eštok’s criticism are the removal of Hungary’s president, constitutional amendments, restrictions placed on members of parliament, and reforms to the country’s public broadcaster. Eštok argued that such changes have not been met with the same level of scrutiny or criticism from EU institutions as similar actions might have faced in the past.
Eštok’s comments echo concerns previously voiced by Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár. Blanár has expressed apprehension about the constitutional changes in Hungary, particularly those affecting the presidency, which he believes contradict principles of the rule of law.
These remarks contribute to the ongoing discourse regarding the European Union’s approach to monitoring democratic and legal changes within member states. Critics argue that the EU’s current stance on Hungary reflects inconsistency in its treatment of similar issues across different countries.