Hungarian Prime Minister Orban visits the right-wing leader of Italy, Meloni, prior to the EU summit
The Brothers of Italy Party, led by Meloni, aligns with the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) within the new EU Parliament, making them the third most powerful faction. However, there's resistance from some ECR members regarding Fidesz's potential joining, as led by Orban. Meanwhile, the Conservatives, Social Democrats, and Liberals are vying for control over the top EU positions.
During the upcoming EU Summit in Brussels, the Heads of State and Government are planning to elect three Spitzenposts. Current EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who represented the European People's Party (EPP) in the election, aims to retain her position. The Social Democrats' candidate for EU Council President is believed to be former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa. For the position of EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell's successor, the Liberal candidate under consideration is Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.
Previously, Fidesz MPs had been part of the EPP in the EU Parliament, but the alliance ended due to accusations that under Orban, Hungary's democracy has been compromised.
On Tuesday, the Tisza Party, made up of Orban's rivals Peter Márki-Zay's six MEPs, joined the EPP. The Tisza Party collected approximately 30% of the votes in the Hungarian EU election, while Orban's Fidesz Party once again emerged as the dominant party with 44%. However, this was Fidesz's weakest showing in their 14-year grip on power.
Beginning on July 1st, Hungary assumes the EU Council Presidency for a six-month term. In preparation, Orban is scheduled to meet with Scholz, the German Chancellor (SPD), in Berlin on Friday.
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- Despite the resistance from some ECR members, Fidesz's potential joining, led by Orban, is being considered during the negotiations for the distribution of top EU positions within the new EU Parliament.
- The EU summit in Brussels is a crucial event where the Heads of State and Government will make a personnel decision, electing three Spitzenposts, including current EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
- Orban visited Meloni in Italy before the EU summit, aiming to discuss various issues, including Fidesz's potential return to the EU Parliament after its separation from the European People's Party (EPP).
- The Brothers of Italy Party, led by Meloni, forming an alliance with the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), has the potential to impact the distribution of power within the EU Parliament.
- The recent development of Tisza Party, led by Orban's rival Peter Márki-Zay, joining the EPP, could impact the discussion of Fidesz's potential return to the EU Parliament during the EU summit.
- Italy's right-wing leader Meloni, who leads the Brothers of Italy Party, will have an influential role in the EU summit, with potential implications for the future of Fidesz within the EU Parliament.
- The success of the Fidesz Party, led by Orban, in the Hungarian EU election, despite being the party's weakest showing in 14 years, may provide leverage for negotiating their re-entry into the EU Parliament during the EU summit.
- The upcoming EU Council Presidency, to be assumed by Hungary for a six-month term beginning July 1st, will further highlight the EU summit's importance in determining the role of Orban's Fidesz party within the EU Parliament.
- The EU elections, which led to the Brothers of Italy Party's alignment with the ECR and the weakening of Fidesz's grip on power, will be a significant factor for Meloni and Orban during the EU summit negotiation process.
