Commission Vice President Vera Jourová insulted Hungary, therefore must resign
29. 09. 2020.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán contacted President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in a letter, informing her that due to derogatory statements seeking to humiliate Hungary and the Hungarian people, he will suspend bilateral political relations with Vera Jourová, Vice President of the Commission, Bertalan Havasi, the Prime Minister’s press chief informed the Hungarian news agency MTI on Tuesday morning. According to Mr Orbán’s position, the EU Commissioner’s resignation is indispensable.

The Hungarian Prime Minister pointed out that “Since our accession in 2004, Hungary has always been a committed Member State of the European Union. We have always strived, mostly with success, to reach a negotiated solution to our disputes. We appreciate your (Ursula von der Leyen’s) activities as President of the Commission.”

Mr Orbán stated: “I am now forced to write you regarding the latest derogatory public statements of Vice President Vera Jourová. According to the Vice President, in Hungary a “sick democracy” is being built, and in addition she insulted EU citizens of Hungarian nationality by saying that they are not in a position to form an independent opinion. These statements are not only a direct political attack against the democratically elected Government of Hungary that has become commonplace, but also a humiliation to Hungary and the Hungarian people. The former is inappropriate, the latter is unacceptable,” the Prime Minister wrote.

He added that these statements are in contradiction with the Commission’s role as a neutral and objective institution enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty. They are a blatant violation of the principle of sincere cooperation and prevent any meaningful dialogue between Hungary and the Vice President.

“Those who violate the Treaties cannot pose as the defenders of rule of law and European values. The statements of Vice President Vera Jourová are incompatible with her current mandate, therefore her resignation is indispensable. Meanwhile, the Hungarian Government suspends all bilateral political contacts with her,” Mr Orbán informed the President of the European Commission in a letter.