What's happened
Hungary's government announced plans to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) as Prime Minister Viktor Orbán welcomed Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an ICC arrest warrant. Orbán criticized the ICC, claiming it has lost its impartiality and legitimacy, while Hungary has never fully enacted the court's statutes into national law.
What's behind the headline?
Implications of Hungary's Withdrawal
- Political Maneuvering: Orbán's decision to withdraw from the ICC aligns with his nationalist agenda and strengthens ties with Netanyahu, reflecting a broader trend of populist leaders challenging international norms.
- Legal Consequences: Hungary's exit will make it the only EU country not part of the ICC, undermining the court's authority and potentially emboldening other nations to follow suit.
- International Relations: This move may strain Hungary's relations with other EU member states, which largely support the ICC, and could lead to diplomatic isolation.
- Public Perception: Orbán's government may leverage this decision to rally domestic support by framing it as a stand against perceived foreign interference in national sovereignty.
Overall, Hungary's withdrawal from the ICC signals a significant shift in its foreign policy and raises questions about the future of international justice in Europe.
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Gergely Gulyás, Orbán's chief of staff, stated, "Hungary will withdraw from the ICC," emphasizing the government's intent to initiate the withdrawal process. The Independent reported that Orbán criticized the ICC as a "political court," reflecting a growing skepticism towards international legal institutions. Meanwhile, The Times of Israel highlighted that Hungary's failure to enact ICC statutes into national law has allowed it to sidestep compliance with the court's rulings. This sentiment is echoed across multiple sources, indicating a unified stance from Hungary's leadership against the ICC's authority.
How we got here
The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2023 over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Hungary, a founding member of the ICC, has historically been reluctant to comply with its rulings, citing constitutional issues. Orbán's government has been increasingly aligned with Netanyahu's administration, rejecting the ICC's authority.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of Hungary leaving the ICC?
- How has the EU reacted to Hungary's decision?
- What does this mean for Netanyahu's future visits to Europe?
Common question
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Why is Hungary Withdrawing from the ICC?
Hungary's recent decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about its political implications. This move comes in the wake of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leading many to question the motivations behind Hungary's actions and what it means for international relations.
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What Happened to Yoon Suk Yeol and Why is Hungary Leaving the ICC?
Recent political events in South Korea and Hungary have raised significant questions about leadership and international relations. Yoon Suk Yeol's removal from office and Hungary's withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) are pivotal moments that could reshape both nations' futures. Here are some common questions people are asking about these developments.
More on these topics
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Hungary is a country in Central Europe. Spanning 93,030 square kilometres in the Carpathian Basin, it borders Slovakia to the north, Ukraine to the northeast, Romania to the east and southeast, Serbia to the south, Croatia and Slovenia to the southwest, a
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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The International Criminal Court is an intergovernmental organization and international tribunal that sits in The Hague, Netherlands.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Viktor Mihály Orbán is a Hungarian politician who has been Prime Minister of Hungary since 2010; he was also Prime Minister from 1998 to 2002.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
