Hungary’s Parliament made a historic decision by voting to accept Sweden as a new member of NATO, marking a significant shift in the balance of power between the West and Russia due to the war in Ukraine.
This vote allowed Sweden, a traditionally nonaligned country, to overcome the final obstacle to its NATO membership, which had been delayed by Hungary’s authoritarian prime minister, Viktor Orban.
Orban’s decision to finally allow the vote followed a visit to Budapest by the Swedish prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, during which Sweden announced plans to provide Hungary with additional Gripen jets and open an A.I. research center in the country.
The formal admission of Sweden to NATO will enhance the military strength of the alliance in the Baltic Sea and reduce Russia’s dominance in the region, which controls access to important ports.
NATO’s secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, welcomed Hungary’s decision, stating that “Sweden’s membership will make us all stronger and safer.”
Sweden’s NATO membership will not immediately change Ukraine’s fortunes on the battlefield, but it will deliver a significant blow to Russia’s efforts to keep NATO away from its borders.
The Hungarian Parliament endorsed Sweden’s admission to the alliance by a large majority, with only six members from a far-right party voting against.
The opposition called for a minute of silence in memory of Aleksei A. Navalny, the Russian opposition leader, but the prime minister and his allies remained seated, sparking controversy.
Mr. Orban thanked his party members for “keeping their cool in the Navalny affair” and explained Fidesz’s decision to stay seated, stating that “Chauvinists do not deserve respect.”
“Otherwise, may he rest in peace,” Mr. Orban told Parliament.
The…
2024-02-26 14:25:50
Link from www.nytimes.com