The governing Fidesz party, which holds an absolute majority in parliament, boycotted a session Monday and the chance to vote on the Nordic nation's application.
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00:00 Hungary is the only country holding up Sweden's accession to NATO.
00:06 Members of the ruling Fidesz party boycotted a session of parliament called by the opposition
00:11 to ratify Sweden's membership.
00:15 After Turkey approved Stockholm's accession in January, Hungary became the last of the
00:20 military alliance's 31 members not to have done so.
00:25 Orbán and the Fidesz party have stalled Sweden's bid since July 2022, alleging that Swedish
00:31 politicians have told "blatant lies" about the condition of Hungary's democracy.
00:36 However, last month, Orbán promised to urge ratification.
00:39 "The prime minister pledged to convene parliament, to urge parliament to act at its earliest
00:45 opportunity.
00:46 Today was an opportunity to do that."
00:49 Monday's session in parliament was supported by six opposition parties, but Fidesz lawmakers
00:54 did not attend, delaying the attempt to place a vote on the legislature's schedule.
00:59 "It's also very irrational what he's doing, despite all the pressure that's coming.
01:04 He himself should understand that this is going to serve the interests and security
01:09 of the Hungarian society.
01:11 But this is Orbán, irrational, and his personal vanity is just there."
01:15 Fidesz lawmakers want Swedish Prime Minister Alf Kristersson to come to Budapest to negotiate
01:20 on the matter with Orbán.
01:23 Kristersson has said he will make the trip, but only if Hungary votes to approve his country's
01:27 NATO membership.
01:28 [WHOOSH]