Ursula von der Leyen is running for re-election as President of the European Commission for a second term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hungary has become more at odds with Von Der Leyen, with President Victor Orban accusing her of “pursuing her own agenda.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While Von der Leyen is widely seen as the favourite for a second term as President of the European Commission, Orban is expecting to obtain a right-wing majority and depose the EU boss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Von der Leyen is at odds with Orban on multiple issues, including Hungary’s refusal to sanction Russia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The country has maintained strong economic ties to the Russian regime, and continues to import pipeline oil and gas from Putin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, there is a growing perception among Hungarian officials that the Commission forces its policies upon member states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a result, Orban’s Political Director, Bal\u00e1zs Orban, has warned that Hungary\u2019s support for Von der Leyen is no longer a given.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spealing to Politico, he said: “We were very supportive of her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“But now she\u2019s pushing her own political agenda without consulting member states, on geopolitics, relationship with the U.S. and China, on war issues, sanctions.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He accused Von der Leyen of being at the helm of a “divisive” routine, saying that “the way the Commission is operating is not good for unity”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added: “They come up with a proposal and then put pressure on member states to say yes.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, Hungary does not have a veto over the election of the next EU commission chief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a member of the council, it has a vote on whether Von der Leyen will have a second term, but EU leaders are not required to reach a unanimous decision.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Ursula von der Leyen is running for re-election as President of the European Commission for a second term. Hungary has become more at odds with Von Der Leyen, with President … <\/p>\n