Orban apologizes for offensive language, request leaders to refrain party expulsion

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has written to conservative European leaders who initiated the expulsion of his Fidesz party from the European People's Party group, apologising for offensive language but maintaining his political positions.

According to a copy of a letter obtained by Reuters on Thursday, Orban asked the leader of the Flemish Christian Democrats, Wouter Beke, to reconsider his proposal to eject Fidesz. A government spokesman said similar letters were sent to all 13 parties that joined in the proposal.