What's happened
During a recent European Parliament session, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was met with protests, including a rendition of the anti-fascist song 'Bella Ciao.' Ursula von der Leyen criticized his policies on Ukraine and Hungary's economic management, highlighting tensions between Hungary and the EU.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, 'On Wednesday, at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, some members took that to a new level — in song,' highlighting the protest against Orbán. The Guardian noted Ursula von der Leyen's sharp criticism, stating, 'There are still some who blame this war not on Putin’s lust for power, but on Ukraine’s thirst for freedom.' This contrast illustrates the deep divisions within the EU regarding Hungary's policies and Orbán's leadership. The Guardian also emphasized the cultural significance of 'Bella Ciao,' stating it has become 'the ultimate musical expression of a yearning for freedom,' further underlining the political context of the protest.
How we got here
Orbán's government has faced increasing scrutiny from the EU over its stance on minority rights, immigration, and relations with authoritarian leaders. His recent presidency of the EU has further strained these relations, particularly regarding support for Ukraine.
More on these topics
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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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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Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen is a German politician and the president of the European Commission since 1 December 2019. She served in the federal government of Germany from 2005 to 2019 as the longest-serving member of Angela Merkel's cabinet.
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The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Its members have a combined area of 4,233,255.3 km² and an estimated total population of about 447 million.