FG must clarify its position on Fidesz – its European sister party

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs & Trade Darragh O’Brien TD has called on Fine Gael to clarify its position on Fidesz, its sister party in the European People’s Party. O’Brien made his comments following the increasingly authoritarian and anti-democratic actions of the Hungarian Prime Minister Vicktor Orbán and his Fidesz party.


Deputy O’Brien explained, “Fine Gael and Fidesz are fellow members of the European People’s Party (EPP) in the European Parliament, and there is an onus on Fine Gael to clarify its position on the actions of Orbán and whether or not it continues to support his party’s membership of the EPP.

“Orbán is undermining democracy in Hungary by silencing critical media, targeting NGOs, demonising refugees and introducing laws designed to curtail academic freedom and close down the Budapest based Central European University. His actions and his right wing agenda are most worrying.

“I believe that the EPP and by extension Fine Gael cannot and should not stand over or stay silent on the actions of Orbán and his party. It is hypocritical of the Fine Gael party to champion European principles and ideals while simultaneously supporting someone who is the antithesis of their values and has actively rallied against them.

“Fine Gael must clarify its position and I would hope by their words and actions that they will send a strong message that the lead party in Government in this country does not support the discourse and actions of those who seek undermine democracy and freedom”.