Orban Demands ‘Respect’ From Sweden Before Ratifying NATO Bid

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban renewed a demand for “respect” from Sweden before his country ratifies the Nordic country’s bid to join the NATO military alliance.

Sweden had no leverage over Hungary that could pressure his government on the vote, not even the fact that Hungary’s air force flies Swedish Gripen fighter jets, Orban told lawmakers on Monday. He said Hungary could switch to other aircraft if it could no longer lease the planes made by Saab AB.