The nationalist-populist leader lost Sunday’s election, but remains Hungary’s caretaker prime minister until next month.
BRUSSELS ― Outgoing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will not attend the informal meeting of the European Council in Cyprus next week, an EU official told POLITICO.
Orbán suffered a crushing loss in Sunday’s general election that put an end to his 16-year premiership. He was scheduled to attend the two-day gathering on April 23 -24, during which national leaders are set to discuss the crisis in the Middle East and the bloc’s next seven-year budget.
The nationalist-populist leader remains Hungary’s caretaker prime minister until his rival, Péter Magyar, takes power in May.
In accordance with the Council’s rules, Orbán will be represented at the gathering by another national leader. His ally, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, is likely to assume that role.
Orbán has long been a disruptive influence at the Council, often using his veto to block sanctions on Russia and EU aid to Ukraine. During last month’s summit of EU leaders, Council President António Costa said his behavior was tantamount to “blackmail” and “completely unacceptable.”
The Hungarian government did not immediately respond to POLITICO’s request for comment.