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National Conservatism Conference: Police told to shut down right-wing Brussels event

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Brussels police are enforcing an order to shut down the National Conservatism Conference, preventing further entry of guests. Concerns over public safety prompted local authorities to oppose the event, which aimed to gather right-wing politicians like Nigel Farage and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, along with figures such as former UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman and French politician Eric Zemmour. Organized by the Edmund Burke Foundation, the conference advocates for traditional values and opposes European integration.

The mayor expressed concerns over some attendees holding anti-gay and anti-abortion views, stating that the far right is unwelcome. The conference began as scheduled but was interrupted by police, leaving attendees unable to re-enter and facing limited access to necessities. Farage criticized the decision to close the event, condemning it as an infringement on free speech.

French politician Eric Zemmour, denied entry, accused the mayor of using the police to suppress European participation. Organizers vowed to challenge the closure, highlighting the peaceful nature of the event. The conference, originally planned to accommodate 850 people, had around 250 attendees. This was the third venue attempt, as previous locations backed out due to pressure from an antifascist group.

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Hungary’s parliament clears path for Sweden’s Nato membership

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Sweden has cleared the final obstacle to its NATO membership after Hungary’s parliament voted to ratify its bid, prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Initially met with delays and accusations of hostility from Hungary, Sweden’s application gained traction as Prime Minister Viktor Orban signaled support, emphasizing solidarity between the two nations.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson hailed the parliamentary ratification as a historic milestone, marking a significant departure from Sweden’s longstanding policy of neutrality spanning two centuries. This decision reflects Sweden’s commitment to defending its values and interests within the framework of the NATO alliance.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg lauded Hungary’s approval, emphasizing its role in strengthening and ensuring the security of the alliance. With parliamentary hurdles cleared, Sweden now awaits the formal invitation to join the 31-member NATO group, signaling a transformative shift in its defense posture and regional security dynamics.

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Mass protest in Hungary over child-abuse case

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Thousands of people in Hungary have taken to the streets in response to a presidential pardon granted in a highly publicized child sexual abuse case. The protests, centered in Budapest’s historic Heroes’ Square, aimed to show support for abuse victims and denounce the controversial decision.

President Katalin Novak, along with two prominent figures from Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ruling Fidesz party, resigned in the wake of the backlash over the pardon. Additionally, a bishop who had advised the prime minister also stepped down after admitting support for Novak’s decision.

The scandal surrounding the pardon has posed a significant challenge to Orban’s conservative leadership, marking one of the most serious threats to his rule since he took office in 2010.

The demonstrations, labeled “there are monsters out there,” drew large crowds to Heroes’ Square, with participants expressing outrage over the abuse case and demanding justice for victims.

Novak, who apologized for what she termed a “mistake” in granting the pardon, faced criticism after the names of 25 individuals she pardoned, including the deputy director of a children’s home convicted of covering up abuse, were disclosed by the media. The deputy director had coerced children into retracting allegations against the home’s director, who had been convicted of child abuse.

Notably, political parties were urged to abstain from participating in the protests, signaling a grassroots movement driven primarily by young Hungarians advocating for child welfare and social solidarity.

Orban’s government, known for prioritizing family values in its policies, faces scrutiny over its handling of the case. The prime minister is expected to address the nation’s concerns and outline the government’s next steps in an upcoming state of the nation address.

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Hungarian President Katalin Novak resigns over child-abuse pardon scandal

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The president of Hungary has stepped down on live television following backlash over a controversial decision to pardon a man involved in covering up a child sexual abuse case. President Novak’s resignation comes amidst growing protests demanding her departure after it was revealed she pardoned a man convicted of coercing children to retract abuse allegations against a state-run children’s home director.

Novak, who had granted clemency to the individual, apologized for her actions, acknowledging her mistake. This decision also led to the resignation of Judit Varga, the former minister of justice, who approved the pardon and was overseeing the European elections campaign for Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ruling Fidesz party.

The controversy erupted when the names of 25 individuals pardoned by Novak during a visit by Pope Francis were disclosed by Hungarian media. Among them was the deputy director of a children’s home near Budapest, convicted for pressuring children to withdraw abuse accusations against the home’s director, who himself was imprisoned for child abuse.

Novak’s sudden resignation, along with Varga’s departure, came as a surprise, considering Novak’s popularity within Fidesz and her significant role as the first female president of Hungary. The scandal has dealt a blow to Fidesz, known for its emphasis on traditional family values, and has caused embarrassment for the long-standing nationalist government.

In her televised address, Novak expressed regret for not standing up for the victims and acknowledged the doubts raised about the government’s commitment to combating pedophilia. The resignations of Novak and Varga, both prominent female figures in Fidesz, represent a significant setback for Orban’s party, especially with Varga slated to lead the party’s list in the upcoming European elections.

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Shackled woman in Hungary court sparks Italy anger

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Italy has expressed strong concern and summoned Hungary’s ambassador after images of Ilaria Salis, a 39-year-old Italian woman, shackled in a Budapest court triggered public and political outrage. Salis, accused of participating in violent assaults against neo-Nazi sympathizers in February 2023, faced restraints on her hands and feet during the court appearance. The attacks occurred following a neo-Nazi rally in Budapest, with alleged far-left militants assaulting individuals after the “Day of Honour” rally.

A video showing anti-fascist activists beating a Hungarian person circulated widely in Hungary, leading to Salis’ arrest along with two German nationals. Salis faces charges of conspiracy to commit assault causing grievous bodily harm, with a potential 11-year jail term if convicted. Her case gained attention in October when her father highlighted the harsh conditions of her detention. Images of Salis in shackles during the court hearing sparked further outrage, with an online petition garnering over 90,000 signatures demanding her return to Italy.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani summoned the Hungarian ambassador to inquire about the perceived violation of fundamental norms on detainee conditions. While Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, an ally of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has not commented, there are calls for her intervention. The Five Star Movement leader urged Meloni to prioritize the rights and dignity of Italians over political alliances.

Salis’ lawyer criticized the scenes in court as a clear violation of the European Convention on Human Rights. Allegations of unsanitary conditions in Hungarian prisons were contested by the prison service, emphasizing high hygiene standards. However, human rights groups reported overcrowded and understaffed prisons in Hungary.

The case, dominating Italian headlines, has also attracted attention in Hungary and Europe. Concerns were raised about the use of physical restraints in court and the perceived repressive nature of Hungary’s judiciary system. The president of the European Parliament Committee on Civil Liberties deemed the scene in the EU state’s court as “appalling.” Salis’s lawyer expressed pessimism about the trial’s outcome and called for Salis to serve pre-trial detention in Italy, citing EU law allowing citizens to be held on house arrest in their resident member country.

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Hungary blocks €50bn of EU funding for Ukraine

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Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has blocked €50 billion in EU aid for Ukraine, a move that comes just hours after EU leaders reached an agreement to begin membership talks. Orban, known for maintaining close ties with Russia, announced the veto, citing opposition to additional financial support for Ukraine. While the EU leaders unanimously agreed on aid and wider budget proposals, Hungary’s objection led to the postponement of aid negotiations until early next year. Despite Hungary’s stance, the EU proceeded with granting membership talks to Ukraine, Moldova, and candidate status to Georgia.

The decision to block aid raises concerns for Ukraine, which heavily relies on EU and US funding in its ongoing struggle against Russian forces. This setback comes at a time when Ukraine is also seeking approval for a $61 billion US defense aid package, facing delays due to disagreements among US lawmakers. The potential implications for Ukraine’s counter-offensive against Russian forces, especially with the arrival of winter, heighten anxieties about the country’s ability to resist the occupation.

President Zelensky of Ukraine expressed gratitude for the EU’s decision on membership talks, despite the aid block. The EU’s move to include Ukraine and Moldova in accession talks was celebrated as a “victory” by Zelensky, who emphasized the importance of the decision for both countries. Moldova’s President Maia Sandu also welcomed the development, acknowledging the shared path to EU accession with Ukraine. Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised the decision as a “strong sign of support,” highlighting that both Ukraine and Moldova belonged to the “European family.”

Prime Minister Orban, in a video message on Facebook, distanced himself from his EU counterparts, labeling Ukraine’s membership as a “bad decision” and reiterating Hungary’s opposition to providing substantial funds to Ukraine. The EU’s decision to open accession talks does not guarantee immediate membership for Ukraine, as the process involves passing numerous reforms and adhering to EU standards, a journey that can span several years. Despite the challenges, the EU’s commitment to engaging in talks signals a significant step toward fulfilling Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

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Ukraine war: Dozens wounded in missile strikes on Kyiv

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Dozens of people were injured in a series of missile strikes on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, overnight, with 53 people, including six children, harmed, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The attacks occurred after President Volodymyr Zelensky’s plea for increased military aid in the US yielded little progress. Ten Russian ballistic missiles were reportedly shot down, damaging kindergarten and hospital buildings. Zelensky, who left the US prior to the strikes, vowed a response and criticized Russia for targeting residential areas. The EU is set to discuss further aid for Ukraine, and Zelensky arrived in Norway for additional support talks.

The attack on Kyiv followed the use of cruise missiles by Russia, ending a 79-day hiatus in missile attacks. Ukraine’s air force claimed to have intercepted all 10 incoming missiles. The projectiles were identified as Iskander-M ballistic missiles and S-400s, designed for air defense but also used against ground targets. A major cyberattack on Ukraine’s largest mobile network operator, Kyivstar, disrupted operations, impacting millions of people relying on air raid alerts. Additionally, the port city of Odesa faced drone attacks, causing injuries and damage.

Zelensky’s efforts to secure more military aid in the US faced challenges, with President Joe Biden warning Republicans about giving Russia a “Christmas gift” if aid was not increased. Zelensky and Biden agreed to enhance air defense systems for Ukraine. Meanwhile, a summit of European leaders discussed Ukraine’s potential accession to the EU, but Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban opposed opening accession talks, emphasizing the need for support without full membership.

Hungary has previously clashed with EU partners over its stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed Ukraine’s fight as crucial for Europe and urged support for its inclusion in the European family.

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Orban faces toughest election challenge in Hungary as a result of Russia’s war

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The headline in the tabloid Metropol, distributed to morning commuters flocking through Budapest’s Western Station, screams, “Peace or War.” In the box next to the “peace” option, there’s a nice blue cross.

That is Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party’s campaign slogan as it seeks a record fourth consecutive term in office in Sunday’s elections. After 12 years in power, they are facing their first serious challenge from a coalition of six opposition parties led by Peter Marki-Zay. The race has been accelerated by Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Hungary shares a border with Ukraine and has so far taken in more than 500,000 refugees. Mr. Orban insists that the only way to keep Hungary out of the war is for him to help the people while refusing to supply weapons to Ukraine. Although his party’s slogan of “peace or war” is simplistic, it is effective. And it’s broadcast, printed, and illuminated in large letters everywhere in Hungary.

It disrupts any music you’re listening to on YouTube, as well as videos featuring international coverage of the Ukraine conflict. According to a group of critical monitoring organisations, the government has spent eight times more on its campaign than all of the opposition parties combined.

The fact that the ruling party enjoys the support of a largely compliant media also helps. On the other hand, the opposition’s catchphrase is “Orban or Europe.”
Their candidate, Peter Marki-Zay, proposes that Hungary join Poland, the United Kingdom, and others in providing arms to Ukraine. Should consider sending troops if called upon, but only within a Nato framework.

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