Lassakova Expects Orban's Victory, while Krupa Talks of Defeat Mood

(STVR, 'O 5 minut 12', 12 April) The general election in Hungary has an impact on Slovakia and may affect the functioning of the European Union (EU) as well, opposition MP Juraj Krupa (Freedom and Solidarity/SaS) said on STVR's discussion programme 'O 5 minut 12' (Five Minutes to Twelve) on Sunday, adding that the atmosphere in the country "smells of defeat" for Hungarian Premier Viktor Orban. Meanwhile, MEP Judita Lassakova (Smer-SD), also on the show, expects his victory, and in the event of a win by opposition TISZA party leader Peter Magyar, she isn't sure whether he would meet Brussels' expectations. MP and opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) vice-chair Beata Jurik stressed that she wishes for fair elections and a victory for the opposition. Conversely, MEP and far-right Republic party leader Milan Uhrik finds it better for the "protection of national interests" that Orban wins the election. Jurík noted that if Orban wins the election, he would continue pursuing a pro-Russian policy and defending Russian interests in the EU. "What we've seen from various recordings or throughout this entire campaign is that the Hungarian premier, unfortunately just like the Slovak premier, isn't defending the interests of their own citizens, but rather Russian interests," she said. Lassakova disagreed, stressing that defending national interests cannot automatically be equated with collaboration with the Russian Federation. The politicians also discussed the issue of the veto right in the EU in connection with Orban's potential victory. Lassakova stressed that "the principle of unanimity must be preserved in the European Union". Uhrik also views the veto right as crucial for the protection of smaller countries, rejecting its limitation. "At present, the EU's problem isn't the veto right. The Union's problem is that the big players, and especially progressive or liberal politicians, premiers who govern in European countries, don't want to listen to a different opinion," he said. Conversely, Krupa warned that the potential continuation of Orban's policy could accelerate efforts to seek ways of circumventing the veto, for example through closer cooperation between some countries. Jurik stated that the debate on limiting the veto is legitimate, as its misuse can block the Union's functioning. ko