Hungary's ambassador to the EU risks becoming the “scapegoat” of the Viktor Orban era, Politico analysis claims
Bálint Ódor, Hungary's ambassador to the European Union, could leave his post with the change of government in Budapest, after the opposition led by him won the parliamentary elections and promised a deep reset of the relationship with the European institutions, according to Politico.
Bálint Odor. PHOTO Capture Magyar Fempel – Kanadai Magyar TV
For six years, Bálint Ódor was the main representative of the executive led by Viktor Orbán in Brussels, in a period marked by major tensions with the EU, the blocking of some European funds and the proximity of Budapest to Moscow.
Although his style was much more reserved than Viktor Orbánr's tough rhetoric, Ódor has consistently represented Budapest's firm positions on sensitive files, from the relationship with Russia to blocking European initiatives.
His expertise in EU treaties and reputation as a tough negotiator have given him an influential role in Coreper, where Hungary has won important waivers on issues such as financing the country or giving up Russian oil.
European diplomats cited by Politico say that whether or not he shared the political vision of Viktor Orbán's government, Ódor carried out his instructions precisely. At the same time, he managed to maintain functional working relationships with the other ambassadors, being considered a predictable interlocutor capable of delivering what he promises.
Uncertainty among Hungarian diplomats
Magyar's victory caused unease among the staff of the Permanent Representation of Hungary in Brussels, many of the staff having no experience of a domestic political transition. Even if the technical staff is considered indispensable, the political appointments – including the ambassador – could be the first ones targeted by the reorganization.
One of the priorities of the new prime minister of Hungary is the unlocking of 18 billion euros from European funds, which implies a clear signal of distancing from the Orbán era, and maintaining a diplomat perceived as close to the old regime could be difficult to justify.
Péter Magyar, who himself worked in the Permanent Representation more than a decade ago, conveyed that he would only rely on those who “they did their duty and remained true to their oath.”
Who could take over the leadership of the embassy
Hungarian officials cited by Politico say that the most likely successor to Ódor would be Márton Hajdu, a former spokesman for the Foreign Ministry and later an adviser to the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
Hajdu has already participated in the discussions regarding the unblocking of European funds, being considered a natural option for the new administration.
In contrast, European Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, another important Hungarian name in Brussels, is unlikely to be replaced due to his status and the much stricter procedures for replacing a commissioner.
From the “scapegoat” of Budapest to the “scapegoat” of the Orban era
Over the past few years, Ódor has often had to explain or defend the Hungarian government's controversial positions to European partners.
