Austria's FPÖ Criticizes EU's 'Double Standard' on Hungary's New Government

European Parliament member Petra Steger of Austria's Freedom Party (FPÖ) has accused Brussels of a "shameful double standard" in its reaction to Hungary's new government. Steger contends that Hungary's recent legislative actions, particularly the 'Lex Fidesz,' are dangerous and absurd, representing not democratic renewal but an attempt to politically sideline experienced Fidesz lawmakers through retroactive measures.

Steger argues that if the same logic were applied within the European Parliament, 164 MEPs would have to resign before the next election. She highlights what she calls the "complicit silence" of the European Commission and EU institutions, which she claims previously attacked Hungary's rule of law with fabricated reports and withheld funds. Now, as Hungary allegedly restructures state organs and curbs public broadcasting, Brussels is reportedly adopting a passive stance, merely stating it is "closely monitoring the situation."

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This is not democratic renewal, but Lex Fidesz. They want to exclude experienced Fidesz lawmakers, confirmed by voters multiple times, from parliament and future elections through a retroactive trick.

Tamás Deutsch, head of the Fidesz delegation in the European Parliament, has pointed to the responsibility of the "Brussels elite." Csaba Dömötör has also noted that applying these same rules within the EU would prevent numerous current European leaders, including top EU Parliament officials and several national prime ministers, from seeking re-election. Steger asserts that this stark contrast in EU responses demonstrates a clear double standard, undermining the principles of fairness and consistent application of rules across member states.

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The most outrageous part of the entire process is the deep, complicit silence of the European Commission and the EU institutions.