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They Would Seize the Moment
๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡บ Hungary /Elections & Politics

They Would Seize the Moment

From Magyar Nemzet · (3d ago) Hungarian Critical tone

Translated from Hungarian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The European Commission president is pushing for member states to adopt majority voting, effectively abolishing the veto power.
  • This move is seen by some as a threat to national sovereignty and the rights of smaller states.
  • The debate over the veto power has significant implications for the future direction of the European Union.

The recent call by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for member states to "seize the moment" and push for qualified majority voting, thereby abolishing the national veto, has ignited serious concerns within Hungary and among many who value national sovereignty. This proposal, echoing sentiments previously voiced by French Renaissance party leader Valรฉrie Hayer, who specifically targeted Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbรกn, is viewed not as a democratic reform but as a dangerous step towards eroding the foundational principles of the European Union. Magyar Nemzet has consistently warned against such centralizing tendencies that threaten to diminish the influence and autonomy of individual member states.

The veto power, historically, has served as a crucial safeguard for national interests, preventing the imposition of policies detrimental to a country's unique circumstances or strategic objectives. Its abolition risks transforming the EU into a system where the will of the majority, potentially dominated by larger powers, can override the concerns of smaller nations, effectively reducing them to mere provinces. This is precisely the fear articulated by commentators who see this as a move towards a "German empire" rather than a union of sovereign states. The idea that "democracy" would mean "shut up and obey" is a chilling prospect for those who believe in a Europe of diverse and independent nations.

the member states must seize the moment

โ€” Ursula Von der LeyenThe European Commission President's call for adopting majority voting.

This push for majority rule is particularly galling given that some nations have previously benefited from Hungary's assertive use of its veto power, hiding behind Orbรกn's stance to protect their own interests without openly challenging the EU's direction. Now, as the EU leadership seeks to streamline decision-making, it appears to be creating a larger "goal" for the "opponent" โ€“ a move that seems strategically questionable if the aim is genuine consensus and respect for all member states. Magyar Nemzet urges vigilance against these attempts to undermine the sovereign rights that are the bedrock of a truly balanced and democratic European Union.

But this is no longer the European Union, it is the German empire!

โ€” CommentatorA comment reflecting concerns about German dominance within the EU.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Magyar Nemzet in Hungarian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.