The blow received by the E.U. since the Qatargate scandal – Kaili is making it difficult for her to handle Hungary’s Prime Minister Orban. The latter is viewed by Brussels as an authoritarian conservative leader who has created, in his 5 four years in power, a powerful system of entanglement with which he controls a large part of Hungary’s economy.
Brussels has cut off the flow of European funds to Hungary until Orbán gives guarantees on the independence of the Judiciary, respect for the rule of law and a crackdown on graft-related corruption.
Orban is using Qatargate to damage Brussels’ prestige and discredit their argument. The message it sends is look inside and leave the “lessons” to Hungary.
Although Qatargate has strengthened his position vis-à-vis Brussels, Orban still does not have much room for maneuver. After years of impressive economic and social growth that secured him great electoral victories, Hungary is plunged into an economic crisis that dramatically lowers the standard of living of most citizens.
The position of the E.U. it is also weakened – to a certain extent – against the conservative government of Poland which follows a milder variant of Orbán’s politics with key features questioning the independence of the Judiciary and the lack of respect for the rules of the rule of law. However, relations between Brussels and Warsaw have recently improved in recognition of Poland’s leading role in dealing with the Russian threat.
