Viktor Orbán’s Right-Wing Group Reaches European Parliament Recognition Quota Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party has reached the minimum number of members needed to form a political group in the European Parliament, a significant step towards strengthening its influence in the body. Fidesz’s membership now stands at 23, passing the 22-member threshold required for recognition. The Significance of Group Formation The formation of a political group in the European Parliament grants several advantages, including: * Allocated funds for administrative expenses and staff * Increased speaking time during plenary sessions and committee meetings * Influence over the legislative agenda and the appointment of key leadership positions Orbán’s Political Agenda Fidesz is a right-wing nationalist party that has promoted anti-immigrant, anti-LGBTQ+ policies, and has been criticized for alleged democratic backsliding. Orbán’s government has also been embroiled in corruption scandals and has faced accusations of authoritarianism. Implications for European Politics The recognition of Fidesz’s group in the European Parliament is seen as a further step in the rise of populist and nationalist movements across Europe. It will allow Orbán to amplify his anti-EU rhetoric and build alliances with other right-wing groups. Reactions and Concerns The move has sparked mixed reactions. Some observers see it as a worrying trend that will embolden anti-democratic forces within the EU. Others argue that it is simply a reflection of the changing political landscape and that Fidesz’s views are shared by a growing number of Europeans. The European Commission has expressed concerns about Fidesz’s record on democratic rights and the rule of law. The European Parliament has also voted to trigger Article 7 proceedings against Hungary, which could lead to sanctions if the country fails to address these concerns. Conclusion Viktor Orbán’s right-wing group’s recognition in the European Parliament is a significant development that will have far-reaching implications for European politics. As Fidesz seeks to expand its influence within the body, it remains to be seen how their presence will affect the EU’s decision-making and its commitment to democratic values.Viktor Orbán, the right-wing Hungarian Prime Minister, has achieved a significant milestone in his political movement. On Saturday, enough parties joined his cause to earn recognition from the European Union parliament, bolstering his efforts to reshape European politics.Viktor Orbán, the right-wing Hungarian Prime Minister, has achieved a significant milestone in his political movement. On Saturday, enough parties joined his cause to earn recognition from the European Union parliament, bolstering his efforts to reshape European politics. Orbán’s “Patriots for Europe” movement, launched on June 30th, gained support from the Danish People’s Party and the Flemish nationalist party Vlaams Belang. This brought the number of MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) in the group to 23, surpassing the threshold for formal EU recognition. Other parties aligning with Orbán include Austria’s Freedom Party (FPOe), Czech ANO, Dutch PVV, Portugal’s Chega, and Spain’s Vox. Meetings are planned in Brussels on Monday, with the possibility of further alliances. France’s National Rally may join after legislative elections, and Italy’s League has also expressed interest. Orbán’s aim is to establish Patriots for Europe as the leading far-right force in the EU Parliament. The group’s agenda includes promoting conservative values, opposing immigration, and ending European support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell criticized Orbán’s attendance at a meeting of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) in Azerbaijan on Saturday, stating that Hungary had no mandate to advance relations with the group. Orbán’s trip to Moscow and meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in July also drew criticism from EU leaders. Despite these criticisms, Orbán’s movement continues to gain momentum. The EU has rejected attempts by the OTS to legitimize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is only recognized by Turkey. The OTS, founded in 2009, includes Turkic-speaking countries like Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Hungary became an observer in 2018.Orban’s Group Earns Recognition in EU Parliament BRUSSELS – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party has secured enough support to form its own political group in the European Parliament. The European People’s Party (EPP), the largest center-right group in the parliament, decided to suspend Fidesz in March 2019 over concerns about its democratic credentials and rule of law practices. Fidesz has since allied with other right-wing parties to reach the required minimum of 25 members from at least seven EU countries. The new group, called Identité et Démocratie (Identity and Democracy), will include members from Italy, France, Poland, Austria, and Finland, among others. The recognition of Orban’s group has drawn mixed reactions. Some MEPs welcome the increased diversity of political views in the parliament. Others express concerns about the inclusion of parties with authoritarian tendencies and anti-EU sentiments. In response to the decision, Orban stated that Fidesz “will not be silenced” and will continue to advocate for “the interests of the Hungarian people and the European nations.” Analysts believe the formation of Identité et Démocratie could have implications for the balance of power within the European Parliament. It is likely to strengthen the influence of right-wing and populist parties, potentially making it more difficult for the EU to forge consensus on key issues.