Hungary expelled 10 Russian diplomats
Hungary expelled 10 Russian diplomats from the country
On September 8, Hungary announced that it had expelled 10 Russian diplomats from the country. Officials stated that their actions were incompatible with their diplomatic status. This signifies the end of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's pro-Russian policy.
According to the Interfax agency, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this would not go unanswered and that the response would be painful for Hungary.
Viktor Orbán stepped down from power in April after 16 years of rule. He had maintained close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin even after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
During Orbán's leadership, Hungary continued to purchase oil and gas from Russia. It also delayed European Union sanctions against Russia and blocked a 90 billion euro ($97 billion) loan allocated to Ukraine.
Since the start of the war, many European countries have expelled dozens of Russian diplomats. Hungary, however, had not expelled a single one. The country had not publicly sent anyone back since 2018.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán (who is not related to the former prime minister) issued a statement. She said that the expelled diplomats had engaged in activities contrary to the Vienna Convention.
"This decision does not mean breaking diplomatic relations with Russia. Hungary intends to continue the necessary dialogue," the ministry's statement said.
The new Prime Minister, Péter Magyar, and his center-right government have consistently emphasized that the country's main allies are the European Union and NATO. The new government wants to restore the reliable relations that were lost during Viktor Orbán's time.
During a parliamentary hearing in May, Anita Orbán said that Russia would remain a partner. However, according to her, relations should not be based on one-sided dependence. She also added that Russia's policy poses a threat to the security of Hungary and Europe.
In August, it was reported that Hungarian lawmakers confirmed the former head of the Supreme Court, András Baka, as the country's new head of state. He was dismissed from his post during former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's tenure and is considered his fierce critic. Through this, the government aimed to reduce Orbán's influence in state institutions.