**Hungary’s PM Orban Votes Against Ukraine’s EU Bid**
In a move that has sparked controversy, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has publicly shared photos of himself voting against Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. The poll, which was announced by Orban in early March, officially launched on April 19 with ballot papers sent to Hungarian citizens.
Orban, who has been widely seen as one of the most Moscow-friendly leaders in the EU during Russia’s war against Ukraine, criticized both Brussels and Hungary’s opposition Tisza party for supporting Ukraine’s membership. He claimed that it would harm Hungary’s economy and sovereignty.
“This will destroy the Hungarian economy. We won’t allow them to decide our future over our heads. I have already voted,” Orban wrote on Facebook.
Despite the government’s resistance, recent polling shows public support for Ukraine’s accession. A poll by the party of Magyar Tisza found that 58.18% of participants backed Ukraine’s EU bid, while another poll by the Republikon Institute also showed a narrow majority in favor of Ukraine joining the bloc.
**Public Opinion Divided**
It appears that public opinion is divided on this issue, with some Hungarians supporting Orban’s stance and others backing Ukraine’s EU bid. The controversy surrounding Orban’s decision has sparked heated debates across the country.
The fact that Orban publicly shared photos of himself voting against Ukraine’s accession to the EU suggests that he is keenly aware of the public’s opinion on this issue. By doing so, he may be trying to sway public opinion in his favor or demonstrate his commitment to Hungary’s interests.
**EU’s Stance**
It remains to be seen how the European Union will respond to Orban’s stance on Ukraine’s accession. The EU has been a strong supporter of Ukraine’s bid to join the bloc, and it is likely that they will continue to push for Ukraine’s membership despite Orban’s opposition.
The EU’s stance on this issue could have significant implications for Hungary’s relationship with the EU. If the EU decides to go ahead with Ukraine’s accession without consulting Orban, it could lead to a rift between Hungary and the EU.
**What This Means**
Orban’s decision to vote against Ukraine’s EU bid has significant implications not only for Hungary but also for the EU as a whole. It highlights the ongoing tensions within the EU over issues like sovereignty, economic interests, and foreign policy.
In addition, Orban’s stance on this issue may have far-reaching consequences for his country’s relationship with other EU member states. The controversy surrounding his decision is likely to dominate the headlines in the coming days and weeks, and it remains to be seen how this will play out in the world of international politics.
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