Critical remarks about Hungary by Vice President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency Vera Jourova have no affect on Hungarian-Czech relations, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said in an interview published by Czech daily Lidove Noviny on Saturday.
In an interview made on Monday, during his Czech visit, Szijjártó said that “I want to make it clear that we consider Vera Jourova’s remarks as remarks by an EC vice president,” adding that Hungarian government does “not identify Vera Jourova with the Czech Republic or the Czech government.
The minister said that Jourova has made some “very rude” statements that go way beyond what’s acceptable, saying: “Calling Hungarian democracy sick? That goes beyond all limits.” However, he added that “our excellent bilateral relations are not affected by this issue in any way.”
Szijjarto said Jourova had collected her information from liberal, opposition sources only and “completely disregarded the facts”. He added that it was high time the spirit of cultured dialogue and mutual respect should return to Brussels.
Hungary’s foreign policy is based on mutual respect, he said, adding that Brussels was trying to punish Hungary by way of political attacks for the country’s position on illegal migration.
featured photo: Zoltán Balogh/MTI