Ukraine criticizes Hungary for election interference

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry criticized the Hungarian
government on Oct. 25 for directly interfering with Ukraine’s local elections
and disrespecting Ukrainian law. That morning, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter
Szijjarto called upon ethnic Hungarians in Ukraine to vote for the candidates
of a particular party, the Association of Hungarian Culture in Zakarpattia. He
also called for the residents of the town of Berehovo to re-elect its ethnic
Hungarian mayor, Zoltan Babiak. He encouraged Ukrainian citizens living in
Hungary to cross the border to vote, stating they would not be required to
undergo a 14-day quarantine.

“Budapest’s ignoring of numerous calls by Kyiv to stop
abusing the principles of rule of law and neighborly relations, and to respect
Ukraine’s laws,” the statement said. “Unpleasant suggestions to voters by
Budapest violate Ukrainian legislation and don’t leave the Ukrainian side
another choice than harshly reacting to such steps according to established
international practice and the legislation of Ukraine.” In her turn, European
Solidarity MP Ivanna Klympush-Tsyntsadze said Hungary’s call to support
political parties and candidates “is an unprecedented act of disrespect for a
foreign state from an E.U. member.”

Zenon Zawada: The Hungarians made a stink in these elections, undermining Foreign
Minister Dmytro Kuleba’s extensive efforts to mend relations with the
nationalist Orban regime, particularly in ending its blocking activity in NATO.
We expect Hungary will keep bullying Ukraine for as long as Russia is bullying
Ukraine, and for as long as PM Viktor Orban is pursuing his nationalist
politics.