Less Ideology, More Work for the People!

On Thursday, the plenary session of the European Parliament debated the European Ombudsman’s Annual Report for 2024. Pál Szekeres, Member of the European Parliament for Fidesz, served as shadow rapporteur on behalf of the Patriots group. In his intervention, Szekeres highlighted: “I welcome the fact that we can read a balanced report, free from ideological overtones, on how the Ombudsman has strengthened transparency, accountability and fair institutional functioning.”

Szekeres recalled: “In reality, this is a simple annual activity report: it presents the work carried out by the Ombudsman and her team to ensure that European citizens and staff of the institutions can live and work in a better, more democratic Europe.”

Szekeres pointed out: “During the preparation of the report, the left nevertheless tried to apply a cordon sanitaire and to exclude the Patriots from the debate on ideological grounds. In the end this did not succeed, which we consider a victory for democracy.”

Szekeres expressed his appreciation to the Ombudsman for her openness towards persons with disabilities and her innovative approach, and welcomed the fact that several elements consistently advocated by the Patriots for Europe group were included in the report: “Institutional accountability, transparency and legal certainty are essential cornerstones that must be reflected in the functioning of the Union.”

The MEP stressed: “The subject of petitions acts as a mirror for the EU, clearly showing that the Union must focus on its own citizens. It is clear that people want to live in peace and expect less bureaucracy and more common sense from the EU.”

The MEP underlined: “The Patriotic approach is simple: less ideology, more professionalism. Fewer political messages, more real work for European citizens.”

In closing his speech, he drew attention to the following: “Peace has no alternative; therefore, on 15 March there will be a demonstration in Hungary in support of peace. I am curious to see how many representatives from the left-liberal side will attend this event.”