Emotionally I agree, rationally I think I’d set a bad precedent if we give up on the Hungarians as people because we’re fed up with the actions of their government. Would be more fair to have some kind of referendum: stay in EU and ditch Orban vs leave the EU and keep Orban
I disagree, he’s not still in power because he fairly won free elections time and again. The Hungarian democracy is broken, especially because the media and legal system are compromised. There is plenty of people wanting Hungary to be a democratic country part of the EU. The same goes for Serbia, where massive protests are showing that more clearly at the moment.
There is plenty of people wanting Hungary to be a democratic country part of the EU.
Maybe, but here’s the thing: Even if you hold a free and fair referendum (which is doubtful), what are you gonna do with the result? The onus is still on the people of Hungary to depose Orban and return to democracy, and they haven’t done that. Then what point is there to holding a referendum? It’s not like Orban will quietly disappear if the referendum chooses the EU over him.
You’re right, but the referendum wouldn’t be about which action the voters want the Hungarian governmentment to take it would be about which action they want the EU to take. A government shouldn’t be able to sabotage the wellbeing of it’s people against their will. The EU should be there for the people, not it’s government.
Emotionally I agree, rationally I think I’d set a bad precedent if we give up on the Hungarians as people because we’re fed up with the actions of their government. Would be more fair to have some kind of referendum: stay in EU and ditch Orban vs leave the EU and keep Orban
The fact that he’s still in power is the result of the referendum.
I disagree, he’s not still in power because he fairly won free elections time and again. The Hungarian democracy is broken, especially because the media and legal system are compromised. There is plenty of people wanting Hungary to be a democratic country part of the EU. The same goes for Serbia, where massive protests are showing that more clearly at the moment.
Maybe, but here’s the thing: Even if you hold a free and fair referendum (which is doubtful), what are you gonna do with the result? The onus is still on the people of Hungary to depose Orban and return to democracy, and they haven’t done that. Then what point is there to holding a referendum? It’s not like Orban will quietly disappear if the referendum chooses the EU over him.
You’re right, but the referendum wouldn’t be about which action the voters want the Hungarian governmentment to take it would be about which action they want the EU to take. A government shouldn’t be able to sabotage the wellbeing of it’s people against their will. The EU should be there for the people, not it’s government.
What can the EU do except expel Hungary or accept the status quo?
I agree this is a problem.