At lunchtime on Tuesday, when there were many indications that the Turkish parliament would vote yes to Swedish NATO membership, a sudden invitation came from Hungary.
The country’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán invited Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to Hungary to “exchange views on all our common interests”.
“Crisis Management”
Analyst Rudolf Berkes interprets the action as crisis management by the Hungarian government.
– It greatly undermines the idea that there would be close cooperation between the parties, says Rudolf Berkes, referring to the relationship between Turkey and Hungary.
NATO announcement is delayed
On Wednesday, Orbán spoke with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and he then repeated, according to his own statement, that Hungary supports Swedish NATO membership.
However, Hungary’s NATO notification seems to be delayed. A Yes to Sweden requires a decision in the Hungarian parliament and there is a winter break until February 26. Viktor Orbán may call for a special vote but there are currently no signs of this.
Five facts about Hungary’s role in Sweden’s NATO application