In an effort to counteract, Kallas attempted to assign Martin Selmayr, Juncker’s infamous former chief of staff, as a powerful deputy secretary general, but von der Leyen’s office obstructed this move.
A senior official mentioned that Kallas “privately complains that von der Leyen is a dictator, but there’s little or nothing she can do about that.” Kallas hails from small Estonia, and her liberal party is minor, making her position even less strong than Borrell’s, a socialist from Spain.
Kallas’ office did not respond to a request for comment.
Bálint Ódor, Hungarian ambassador
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán enjoys portraying the villain with his pro-Russia and pro-Trump stances, complicating the EU ambassador role. The current ambassador, Bálint Ódor, is perceived as aligned with Orbán’s Fidesz party, unlike his predecessor, Tibor Stelbaczky, who now works for the EU’s diplomatic division.
Bálint Ódor is seen as close to Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party. | Thierry Monasse/Getty Images
Hungarian diplomats risk arousing suspicion in Budapest over loyalty if they attempt to tone down harsh governmental rhetoric, according to a Hungarian diplomat. One official described the Hungarian ambassador as the “elephant in the room,” due to the nation’s close connection with the Kremlin.
During Hungary’s presidency of the Council of the EU last year, some diplomats voiced concerns over sharing information with the Hungarians because of Orbán’s ties to Russia (Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó frequently meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who is under EU sanctions). Ódor told POLITICO: “It’s a privilege to serve my country and represent Hungarian interests.”
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