In the wake of the European Parliament's vote Wednesday to brand Hungary "a systematic threat to the rule of law," the U.S. will follow up with Hungary on the issue of maintaining democratic principles.
That is what a State Department spokesman told Newsmax hours after the overwhelming vote by the European Parliament to censure Hungary on the grounds that government Prime Minister and close Trump ally Victor Orban is undermining democratic values.
Complaints against Hungary among 27 member-nations that comprise the European Union center on Orban's government exerting more control over courts, media regulators, and tax inspectors.
"The United States is not shy about raising concerns with its allies," a State Department spokesman told Newsmax on background, "We have – and will continue to – engage the Hungarian government on the importance of maintaining the democratic principles that underpin the Western alliance."
The same source emphasized "Hungary is an important ally of the United States, and we cooperate with its government on a range of issues related to our shared strategic interests and values."
As for the censure vote itself, the spokesman told us, "That decision is a matter internal to the EU. We refer you to the European Parliament for further inquiries into its decision."
John Gizzi is chief political columnist and White House correspondent for Newsmax. For more of his reports, Go Here Now.
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