"For the first time in years, there are no Russians in the room" — Tusk subtly mocked Orban
At the European Union summit in Cyprus, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk allowed himself a dig at the pro-Russian Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, who is stepping down, writes Bild.
Photo: Byron Smith / Getty Images
"For the first time in years, there were no Russians in the room, if you understand what I mean," Tusk joked to reporters in Nicosia.
Orban's party lost the parliamentary elections on April 12 by a large margin. The government is soon to be led by the leader of the winning opposition party "Tisza" — Péter Magyar. Until the new prime minister takes office, Orban remains in power; however, he is not participating in the EU meeting in Cyprus.
The pro-Russian stance of the Hungarian government has repeatedly led to conflicts with other EU countries. In particular, Hungary blocked decisions on supporting Ukraine or sanctions against Russia, which regularly caused irritation.
However, not all participants of the meeting in Cyprus shared Tusk's joy: Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever stated that he saw "a little too much euphoria" regarding Orban's departure, who was "undoubtedly a difficult partner," "but never an impossible partner."
At the EU summit in Cyprus, aid to Ukraine, the next EU budget, and the conflict between the US and Iran are being discussed. Representatives from the Middle East and Persian Gulf countries are also invited for this.
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Яго выказванне набыло няёмкі адценак, калі ў гэты момант міма праходзіў прэм'ер-міністр Славакіі Роберт Фіца, вядомы больш мяккай пазіцыяй адносна Масквы. Туск усміхнуўся і падміргнуў журналістам, пасля чаго дадаў: «Не, не, гэта жарт».
Für Deutschland, калі вы разумееце, што я маю на ўвазе.