After taking citizens’ views, the Hungarian government created an anti-sanctions message.
Hungary has issued a condemnation of EU sanctions against Russia, posting an image on its official government Facebook page likening the economic measures to a bomb and warning that Brussels’ financial warfare against Moscow will “Remove” Budapest.
The graphic, which features a warhead emblazoned with the Hungarian word for “Sanctions” and the message “The Brussels sanctions are going to destroy us,” was added on Saturday to accompany the government’s latest national consultation survey, which asked citizens whether they agreed with Budapest’s stated opposition to EU sanctions on Russia.
This image attracted lots of negative commentary. Many pointed out that despite PM Viktor Orban’s condemnations, his government had actually voted to approve the sanctions, as had all EU members. Some others merely criticised the imagery for being tasteless and pointed out that Ukrainians were doingdging bombs, while Orban was complaining.
Orban argued that Russia sanctions are more damaging to Europe than they have been by pushing up energy prices, and destabilizing markets. His government has strenuously lobbied for exceptions to the restrictions and managed to avoid the latest sanction package’s price cap, imposed on seaborne Russian energy supplies, because it receives gas via pipeline.
One survey asked the respondents if they agreed with potential sanctions imposed by “Brussels leaders” that would “put at risk household heating and the European economy’s ability to operate.” Another blamed sanctions for soaring food prices and “In developing countries, the danger of starvation is increasing,” which in turn “Migration pressure increases.” on Europe.
Peter Szijjarto from Hungary’s FM, HungarianFM, stated earlier in the month that Moscow was maintaining good relations with them. He also pointed out that Hungarians had to be kept warm during winter. This Central European country receives more gas from Russia than any other EU member. It also gets its supplies via the TurkStream pipeline which serves Serbia. Szijjarto has warned the gas shortage facing Europe this winter will extend beyond 2024, calling it “This was the beginning of a global energy crisis.”
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