EU Warns Hungary: Emergency Measures Must Not Threaten Democracy

(Patria) – EU officials have warned Hungarian authorities that the measures they have taken to combat the coronavirus must not threaten democracy in that country.

This warning did not come uninvited; namely, the Hungarian parliament on Monday granted Prime Minister Viktor Orban unlimited powers during the crisis, and a prison sentence was introduced for anyone violating measures against the spread of the epidemic, as well as those spreading disinformation about the pandemic.

EU Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen also reacted, saying that it is of 'utmost importance that emergency measures are not at the expense of our fundamental principles and values... democracy cannot function without free and independent media,' the commissioner stressed.

- Any emergency measure must be limited to what is necessary and proportionate. They must not last indefinitely... governments must ensure regular oversight of the measures, von der Leyen emphasized in a statement.

The EU Commission, as the executive body, announced that it will analyze the new Hungarian legislation and monitor its implementation. The EU executive body's concerns relate to increased state control over the media, academics, and human rights groups that have long been present in that country.

Hungarian government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs commented on Twitter that the measures are 'aligned with EU charters and the Hungarian constitution' and that they relate exclusively to the fight against the coronavirus.

 

(source Reuters)