UNM’s Sanikidze: Hungary will no longer act as brake on EU sanctions after Orbán’s departure

Levan Sanikidze, one of the leaders of the opposition United National Movement, on Monday said Hungary is unlikely to continue blocking EU sanctions mechanisms following the political changes in the country.

According to Sanikidze, the party of Peter Magyar is part of the European People’s Party family, as is the United National Movement, which creates opportunities for closer cooperation.

“We will use all available contacts to ensure that the mechanisms previously used by Viktor Orbán to slow down pressure on Bidzina Ivanishvili’s government are no longer on the agenda,” Sanikidze stated.

He argued that Hungary had played a significant role in delaying sanctions, describing Orbán as a political actor who served as a “brake” within the European Union.

“Orbán effectively acted as a tool of Vladimir Putin, using Hungary to block decisions within the EU. His role had no broader geopolitical purpose beyond that,” Sanikidze added.

The politician also noted that, following recent developments in Hungary, this obstacle may be removed, although he acknowledged that the process ahead would remain challenging.

The opposition Tisza party secured 138 seats in Hungary’s parliamentary elections, gaining a constitutional majority. Viktor Orbán is expected to step down after 16 years in power.