In Strasbourg, during the ongoing plenary session of the European Parliament, a debate took place on the conclusions of the European Council meeting held on December 14–15, 2023, and preparations for the extraordinary meeting of European Union member state leaders, to be held on February 1, 2024, in Brussels, as well as the situation in Hungary. PiS MEPs Beata Szydło, Ryszard Czarnecki, and Jadwiga Wiśniewska took the floor during the debate.
Beata Szydło spoke about the difficult situation facing German farmers and truckers, who have been protesting for a week. “Are they happy with the policies pursued by the European Union? Are they populists? Or are they perhaps afraid for their future?” the MEP asked. She stated that the proposed changes—including those related to economic issues—“paint a very bleak future for them, and they know it.” The Polish politician recalled that Manfred Weber, chair of the EPP Group, had announced that the economy is the top priority for his group and that the EPP will focus on this in the upcoming election campaign. “But somehow German farmers, German truckers, farmers in the Netherlands, and residents of Paris—who are protesting out of fear for their future, worried not only that they won’t have jobs or a chance at a decent life, but also that the flawed measures associated with the migration pact will undermine security,” Szydło noted. At the same time, she stated, the liberal-left majority is “feeling quite comfortable.” “You’ve been talking about a bright future for Europe throughout your entire term. And what’s been happening during that time? More and more industries are collapsing, people are losing their jobs, and soon several thousand people in Poland who worked in the automotive and transportation sectors will be laid off,” said the former head of the Polish government, pointing out that all of this is the result of decisions made in connection with, among other things, the Fit for 55 package, the migration pact, and other European initiatives.
Beata Szydło also addressed the issue of the rule of law, which was raised repeatedly during the debate. She accused the parliamentary majority of interpreting the principle of the rule of law in a way that suits them—if actions align with their political views, they are lawful, even if they violate the laws and constitution of the country in question. She cited the example of Poland and appealed: “Ask your colleague Donald Tusk why he is violating the Polish constitution and Polish law.”
Ryszard Czarnecki, referring to the situation in Hungary, emphasized that the country has a magnificent history and is a nation that “is of absolutely crucial importance to Europe, and its people are a wonderful European people.” “We share a common history and a common cultural heritage in Europe. Moreover, Hungary has shown us the way forward through many political eras,” he noted. The former vice president of the European Parliament emphasized that Hungary makes its own decisions in accordance with the will of its citizens. “Just like all other countries, Hungary deserves respect for this,” Czarnecki believes. As he noted, in recent years, the nature of the political debate and the initiatives taken against certain countries has left much to be desired; it has been politically motivated and is evidence of double standards within the EU.
Jadwiga Wiśniewska remarked: “Ever since your protégés came to power in Poland, all you have left is Hungary, which you accuse of every evil.” She stated that the Brussels elites cannot come to terms with reforms that protect Hungarian identity. As she recalled, a similar campaign of lies and hatred was waged against Poland. “You accuse Hungary of blocking aid to Ukraine, but who, if not Brussels, dragged Budapest into this game? Who is putting the Hungarians up against the wall?” Wiśniewska asked. She stated that while the rule of law is being systematically violated in Poland under the rule of a “Brussels envoy,” and while the rule of law is being violated in Spain, it is unfortunate Ukraine that is falling victim to this “war” against Hungary. “And Putin is rubbing his hands together because he has such useful idiots in Brussels,” she added. Wiśniewska pointed out that this is further proof of Brussels’ double standards. “This is your norm. This is the level of hypocrisy,” said the MEP. As she pointed out, today there is no discussion of inflation, the deepening energy exclusion, or the issues that are most critical to Europe’s food security. “Today, once again, you are attacking Hungary,” she stated.
