On October 9, 2024, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a strong rebuke to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, condemning his recent remarks that placed blame on Ukraine for the war and criticized the EU’s military support for Kyiv. Orban had suggested the bloc should halt its military assistance, advocating instead for individual countries to take national responsibility for their support.
Commenting on the political conflict during the state-run TV “Belarus 1” program “Editors' Club” broadcast on October 11, 2024, MP Oleg Gaidukevich described von der Leyen’s remarks as indicative of the undemocratic nature of the EU. Gaidukevich stated:
“Do you know how the Europeans characterized the conflict between Ursula and Orban? Leading European Telegram channels and media outlets wrote: “A person who was elected by no one…” This is Ursula. Who elected von der Leyen? No one! And yet she lectures and scolds, in our Belarusian slang, a person who was elected by the people. That's all you need to know about European democracy.”
Gaidukevich did not specify which European media outlets made these statements. The Weekly Top Fake team found no such reports.
Ursula von der Leyen was re-elected as head of the European Commission in July 2024, but not through a direct election. The vote was conducted by members of the European Parliament, who are directly elected by citizens of EU countries. Von der Leyen received 401 votes in favor, with 284 against.
Viktor Orban was elected Prime Minister of Hungary through a similar procedure: not by popular vote, but by parliamentary voting. He was re-elected for a fifth term as Prime Minister in 2022, receiving 133 votes in favor and 27 against.