The times are a changin'
For years Austrian PM Kurz has been one of Orbán's most important mainstream defenders in Europe, but now his party has called for "suspension" of Fidesz in EPP.
Incidentally, I thought Fidesz was already suspended in EPP. 🤔
For years Austrian PM Kurz has been one of Orbán's most important mainstream defenders in Europe, but now his party has called for "suspension" of Fidesz in EPP.
Incidentally, I thought Fidesz was already suspended in EPP. 🤔
1. There are several reasons for this shift away from too controversial far right among (several) mainstream right-wing parties, most are opportunistic/strategic.
2. The "immigration issues" is no longer very salient and does not leave too much space for gains anymore, which means far right is less attractive option.
3. In the Austrian case, Kurz's ÖVP has changed coalition partner, from pro-Orbán FPÖ to anti-Orbán Greens.
4. In EU context, Orbán has become less reliable partner within EPP, increasingly attacking EPP politicians and opposing EPP policies/positions.
5. That all said, this is proposal for "suspension" of Fidesz, which allegedly IS already suspended within EPP. The obvious step should be expulsion, which Karas does not seem to support.
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