In brief
Progressive representatives in the European Parliament sang the antifascist anthem "Bella Ciao" to demonstrate their opposition to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's policies during his recent speech.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary, known for advocating "illiberal democracy," faced a unique form of protest at the European Parliament on Wednesday as progressive members sang "Bella Ciao," an iconic antifascist song, following his address in Strasbourg, France. Orban, a polarizing figure due to his nationalist views and opposition to the European Union's liberal policies, including its stance on Ukraine, was met with resistance in the assembly. Roberta Metsola, the European Parliament's president, intervened, emphasizing the need to maintain the decorum of the parliamentary session, comparing it to a music contest like Eurovision. Throughout his tenure, Orban has clashed with the EU on various issues such as minority rights and immigration, and he remains critical of the EU's firm support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. His relationship with the EU is further complicated by his alignment with former U.S. President Donald Trump and his challenging stance towards Brussels' influence over Hungary's internal matters.
