Viktor Orban criticises Taoiseach over Hungary comments

James Cox

Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban has criticised the Taoiseach after Micheál Martin accused Hungary of exploiting the European Council veto.

Mr Martin called Orban's actions “wilful abuse” of EU veto powers.

Orban, a close ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin, has used his veto power to delay aid to Ukraine in the past.

Speaking to Euronews, Mr Martin called Orban's actions "outrageous".

“In my view, it’s essential that Ukraine becomes a member of the European Union for geopolitical reasons.

“We have always accepted unanimity on certain aspects and we think it’s been abused.

“I believe the European Union will not become workable if that abuse continues.

“I think there’s only so much member states can take in terms of wilful abuse of the veto, we’ve seen it play out in Ukraine and there are a number of instruments that we can use and we shouldn’t be afraid to use them."

He added: "In the European Union, we have all of that freedom of speech, we have regulated markets, we have good standards in food and across the board, we have stability.

"Who wouldn't want to live in an environment like that and all around us it is falling down a bit.

"We are very concerned about that in Hungary in terms of the undermining of the LGBTI community, the banning of pride parades. These are very fundamental issues that the European Union has to engage with."

In response to the interview, Orban said: "Dear Taoiseach @MichealMartin. We Hungarians have always regarded Irish patriots as champions of freedom and national independence. For us, Ireland is a symbol of liberty and sovereignty. For this reason, it is always shocking when we see that an Irish patriot chooses to stand on the side of an empire instead of national sovereignty.

"Please don’t ruin the love story between Irish and Hungarian patriots!"