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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at EPP meeting in Salzburg, 19 September 2018. REUTERS / Lisi Niesner
As before each European Council, the European People's Party (right) meets this Wednesday 17 October. In particular, he will discuss the possible exclusion of the party of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
With our special correspondent in Brussels, Anissa El Jabri
Should we exclude Fidesz from Viktor Orban? The debate is raging within the EPP, the party that brings together the European right, since the vote of the European Parliament last month triggering a procedure of sanction against Hungary for violation of the rule of law.
For the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, it is clear: " Mr. Orban no longer has his place in the EPP ". But within the European right, the dilemma remains. Its president, Joseph Daul, was criticized last April for publicly encouraging and supporting Viktor Orban campaigning for its renewal. But this time, it is the values of the EPP that are at stake, he believes.
" I have always been a friend of Viktor Orban and I have always defended him. But I also have to defend freedom, democracy, respect for human rights, a free civil society. These are the foundations of the Union and the sacred values of our party, "said Joseph Daul. And to warn: " I will not compromise, regardless of political affiliation. "
Other parties are calling for the Hungarian party to be suspended from the EPP. This is particularly the case with Austrian conservatives. Just before the European Parliament's vote of approval last month, the FPÖ, a far-right coalition partner of Chancellor Kurz, called on Viktor Orban to join his ranks.