MEP Tamás Deutsch is a member of Hungary’s governing Fidesz party and made statements that sounded pro-Russian, calling the Ukrainian situation “a catastrophe.” He said on several occasions during interviews that the EU’s handling of the war in Ukraine was “catastrophic.” He insisted that Russia would not feel EU sanctions against Russia and were doing too much harm to Europe’s economy.
MEP Tamás Deutsch said in a speech at the 2023 plenary session of the European Parliament that the EP should use diplomatic means to pursue peace instead of calling for sanctions against Russia that destroy the economy and threaten an escalation into a world war. MEP Tamás stated sanctions against Russia imposed in reaction to the war in Ukraine “have failed to terminate the war. They are threatening to ruin Europe.”
Recently, he voted against the European Parliament resolution condemning Russia’s undemocratic presidential elections and their unlawful extension to the occupied territories. Tamás Deutsch, as Head of ruling’ Fidesz’s European parliamentary delegation, in an interview with public radio, also slammed the European Commission’s “inaction” regarding Ukrainian restrictions on the transit of Russian crude to Hungary and Slovakia, demanding that Ukraine was committed to “blackmail” and in breach of its association agreement with the EU.
Deutsch has positioned himself against what he perceives as a globalist agenda in the EU, advocating for Hungarian national interests and sovereignty. His comments suggest a skepticism towards the EU’s approach to the conflict, which may align with pro-Russian sentiments, especially in light of Hungary’s generally cautious stance towards Ukraine and its historical ties with Russia. Additionally, his party, Fidesz, has been known for its critical stance towards Ukraine’s government and its support for Russian policies, further indicating that Deutsch’s views may reflect broader party lines rather than isolated opinions.
