Austrian Greens Call for Complete Halt of EU Payments to Hungary

In a bold move ahead of the controversial Budapest Pride event, the Austrian Green Party has demanded a total suspension of all European Union financial assistance to Hungary. The party's spokesperson for European affairs, Meri Disoski, emphasized that the homophobic policies enforced by the Hungarian government should not be regarded as mere disagreements, but rather as clear violations of fundamental rights. She stated that as long as Hungary continues to trample on basic human rights, no funds from Brussels should be directed towards the country.

Disoski, during a joint press conference with David Stögmüller, the Green Party's LGBTIQ* spokesperson, expressed the personal impact of such oppressive policies. She reflected on the atmosphere surrounding Pride events, recalling her desire to participate openly with her partner, only to be met with government hostility dismissing their love. She underscored that the inaugural Pride was a rebellion against oppression, referencing the Stonewall riots of 1969, which are recognized as the catalyst for the LGBTIQ movement. Disoski affirmed her intent to join the Budapest Pride alongside Stögmüller, who mentioned that around 50 Green representatives from various European nations are expected to attend. Additionally, liberal and social democratic politicians are planning to participate, with EU Greens organizing a protest in Budapest's city center.

Disoski sharply criticized the rising trend of anti-queer policies in various governments, including recent developments in the United States, describing it as a deliberate strategy rather than a simple regression. She pointed out that the queer community is systematically being marginalized from public life, citing the alarming decision by then-President Donald Trump to eliminate suicide hotlines for youth, characterizing it as an act of pure cynicism. In Hungary, Pride events face harsh penalties under government threats, with participants being monitored through facial recognition technology, a situation that Disoski likened to a dystopian reality echoing the warnings of George Orwell.

Stögmüller noted the potential parallels to Austria under an FPÖ-led administration, highlighting that during Pride Month, the parliamentary building remained dark instead of illuminated in rainbow colors, due to the refusal of the National Council President Walter Rosenkranz to endorse such a display against the wishes of the other four parties. Instead of supporting democratic principles, Rosenkranz chose to prioritize his party's agenda, welcoming Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to Parliament.

Stögmüller also took aim at the coalition partner Neos, who had recently positioned themselves as champions of LGBTIQ+ rights. He accused them of capitalizing on the successes of the Green Party, particularly regarding legislation aimed at banning conversion therapies, which was initiated under the previous Green Minister of Justice, Alma Zadic, but has since stalled under the current coalition. He called on Neos leader Yannick Shetty to demonstrate genuine commitment to LGBTIQ+ issues now that they are in power.

During the press conference, the two representatives also addressed the recent departure of Faika El-Nagashi from their party, asserting that there is no conflict between women's rights and trans rights. Disoski emphasized the importance of recognizing trans women as women entitled to protection, refuting claims that such rights conflict with women's rights. Both she and Stögmüller expressed the necessity for progressive forces to remain united in the face of rising antifeminism and political extremism.