Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is capitalizing on growing criticism of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen ahead of a crucial European Parliament confidence vote.

Orbán condemned von der Leyen over undisclosed communications with Pfizer’s CEO during the pandemic, calling the vote a test of Europe’s future amid corruption and competence concerns.

This attack follows the EU urging Hungary to adopt stricter fiscal measures, which Budapest rejected, prioritizing local families and companies over multinational interests, Politico has reported.

The tensions highlight the ongoing clash between Hungary and the EU over rule-of-law issues and funding, with Orbán intensifying his anti-EU rhetoric ahead of national elections.

Written by B.C. Begley