BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) – A vote in Hungary's parliament to ratify Sweden's bid to join NATO could take place as early as Monday, according to a senior member of Hungary's ruling Fidesz party. This would end more than 18 months of delays by the nationalist government that have frustrated Hungary's allies.
In a letter to parliament presidents on Tuesday, Fidesz caucus leader Mate Kocsis asked them to schedule a vote for the opening day of the spring parliament, which begins on Monday.
Kocsis wrote that Fidesz, which has repeatedly blocked a vote on the issue, will choose to support Sweden's participation in the Transatlantic Military Alliance.
Hungary is the only country among NATO's 31 existing members that has not ratified Sweden's bid.hungarian government facing increasing pressure Admitting a new country to a military alliance requires unanimous approval, making it impossible to take action after more than a year and a half of delay.
on sunday, Bipartisan group of U.S. senators visits Hungary They announced that they would submit a joint resolution to Congress condemning the allegations. democratic backsliding They called on Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to move forward with Sweden's admission as soon as possible.
Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Connecticut, said Sunday in Budapest that the Hungarian government and Fidesz had refused to meet with the delegation, which he called “bizarre and disturbing,” but did not hold them responsible. He said it would be a long-term issue. Incumbent leaders drive voting.
“We are smart enough about politics here to know that if Prime Minister Orbán wants this to happen, parliament can move forward,” he said.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán faces isolation from interference by international allies in key decisions, including protests. Obstacle EU funding for cash-strapped Ukraine.
The Swedish government has insisted that Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson visit Budapest to allay concerns that Swedish politicians have made disrespectful comments about the health of Hungarian democracy.
but, State of the Nation Address in Budapest Prime Minister Viktor Orbán suggested on Saturday that Hungary's parliament could fold soon.
“The good news is that the conflict with Sweden is nearing an end,” he said. “We are moving towards ratifying Sweden's membership in NATO at the beginning of the spring parliament.”
Prime Minister Viktor Orban's press secretary announced that Kristersson would visit Budapest on Friday to discuss defense and security cooperation, adding that the results of the talks would be announced at a press conference.
Following news of the impending vote, Swedish Defense Minister Poul Jonsson said in Stockholm that Sweden “of course welcomes this.”
“Of course you're welcome,” Johnson said.
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Associated Press writer Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark, contributed to this report.
