On Wednesday 17 October, ahead of the European Council, the European People's Party (EPP) was to have another “family” discussion - as its President, Joseph Daul put it - about the membership of the family of Viktor Orban's Fidesz party. This membership divides the EPP, with the President of the Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, having himself previously stated that he does not consider that there is still a place in the centre-right family for the Budapest leader.
In any event, there is no question of expelling him. The French President of the party was unambiguous: for an expulsion procedure to be carried out, a letter from seven parties from five different countries is required, “and I have not seen the first word of the first letter”. “We will have a family discussion about Orban's conduct” and that is when the EPP member parties may take position, explained the President, who has personally always been “a friend” of the Hungarian leader.
“I have always defended him, but I have also defended academic freedom, democracy and a free civil society. These are the foundations of the EU and the sacred values of our party”, Daul added, in the framework of the presentation of the two EPP candidates for the Presidency of the European Commission (see related article). “I will not compromise”. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)