Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó firmly rejected the latest criticism from his Polish counterpart, Radoslaw Sikorski, during a joint press conference with the president of Republika Srpska in Budapest.
Asked about Sikorski’s social media comment on his recent visit to Beijing, FM Szijjártó responded with irony, recalling his school days: “If Sikorski were the last to be chosen for a team, I would rather play with fewer people.”
Turning to broader European issues, the minister criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for praising Romania’s recent austerity measures, saying: “This is exactly the kind of recognition we do not want. We work for the will and satisfaction of the Hungarian people, not for President von der Leyen’s approval.”
Minister Szijjártó also highlighted what he described as “open manhunts” in Ukraine linked to forced military conscriptions, which he called one of the greatest European shames of the 21st century. He added that responsibility also lies with Brussels politicians who ignore or downplay such practices.
On the economic front, the minister argued that the European Union has isolated itself from global partners: “They cut Europe off from the American economy with the worst trade deal ever, from China with ideological hostility, and from Russia with sanctions. As a result, European competitiveness is now weaker than its rivals’.”
FM Szijjártó concluded that under President von der Leyen’s leadership, the European Commission has caused unprecedented damage to Europe’s economy.