Slovak Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok has leveled accusations against the European Union, alleging it of employing double standards in its evaluation of Hungary’s adherence to the rule of law. In a recent appearance on Slovak television, Eštok voiced concerns over the EU’s apparent silence amid political changes under Hungary’s Prime Minister Péter Magyar, contrasting this with the EU’s historically stringent responses to similar situations.
Highlighting several contentious developments, Eštok criticized the EU’s muted response to the removal of Hungary’s president, constitutional amendments, restrictions targeting members of parliament, and reforms to the public broadcaster. He argued that if these changes had been initiated by Hungary’s former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the EU’s reaction would likely have been more severe, potentially involving harsh criticism or sanctions.
Eštok’s comments reflect broader concerns about the EU’s perceived inconsistency in addressing rule-of-law issues across member states. His sentiments were echoed by Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár, who earlier raised alarms about constitutional changes affecting the presidency, describing them as incompatible with established principles of the rule of law.
The European Commission’s response—or lack thereof—also came under scrutiny, as Eštok suggested that recent developments in Hungary have not been subjected to the same level of examination by EU institutions as might have been expected. This critique adds fuel to the ongoing debate regarding the EU’s approach to democratic and legal reforms within its member nations, particularly in relation to Hungary.