PACE is concerned about the atmosphere ahead of the elections in Hungary
A delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe expressed concern about the situation ahead of the parliamentary elections in Hungary.
Observers noted that the electoral process is technically well-prepared, but the overall atmosphere is “toxic.”
This includes the blurring of lines between the state and the ruling party, the use of administrative resources, a distorted information landscape, and pressure on civil society.
Separately, the delegation drew attention to the aggressive rhetoric of the campaign, particularly anti-Ukrainian and anti-European propaganda.
Concerns were also raised regarding possible voter bribery, intimidation, limited access to independent media, and doubts about the independence of the judicial system.
PACE emphasized that elections must be determined by the will of the people, not by manipulation or unequal conditions.
As a reminder, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán issued a decree halting the transit of natural gas to Ukraine through Hungarian territory starting in July.
Earlier, it was reported that European experts would visit the Druzhba oil pipeline in Ukraine. They are to assess the situation at the facility ahead of an important meeting of EU leaders regarding financial aid to Kyiv.
It was also reported that Ukraine accepted EU aid for the repair of the Druzhba pipeline.
