Commenting yesterday on the by-election in Veszprém in Hungary, S&D Group president Gianni Pittella said:
"Hungary woke up from the nightmare under Prime Minister Orbán. The victory of Zoltán Kész in yesterday's election in the Veszprém district deprives Prime Minister Orbán of his two-thirds majority in the Hungarian Parliament. There is no room for illiberal forces in Europe.
"Prime Minister Orbán's regime is crumbling down right there in the heart of the Fidesz fortress. The Hungarian progressive forces, supported actively by the S&D Group during the campaign, proved to be a genuine alternative for those loyal to fundamental European values. This is only the beginning. European values will prevail over non-liberalism.
Hungarian S&D MEP István Ujhelyi added:
“During the by-election in Veszprém, voters in Hungary sent a strong message to the Orbán-government. Moreover this happened in a constituency, where a year ago Mr. Tibor Navracsics – who has since been appointed as European Commissioner – defeated the opposition parties by a large majority.
"Hungary came to consciousness in Veszprém as voters stood up against the Orbán-government, condemning its anti-European politics.
"It is clear that the Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP) played a key role in dismantling the absolute majority of Fidesz. The MSZP is fully aware of its responsibility in establishing democratic control over Fidesz, with the ultimate aim of removing them from power as soon as possible."
