Statement regarding the constitutional upset in Hungary

Developments in Hungary have aroused the justified concern and opposition of all democratic forces in Europe. The extraordinary powers assigned to Orban, the indefinite closing of the Hungarian parliament, the suspension of laws, the prohibition of elections, but also any publication that is contrary to this government’s view regarding the pandemic are phenomena proper to a dictatorial regime.

The coronavirus pandemic cannot and must not constitute an opportunity or justification for suspending a state’s democracy and justice anywhere in the world. Especially in the heart of Europe.

The response to the pandemic should be to strengthen solidarity and democracy. On the contrary, events in Hungary constitute a violation of the founding precepts and values of the European Union. The Commission should stop turning a blind eye and send a strong message that this crude violation of the fundamental rules of democracy is unacceptable.

The EPP should stop “caressing” the Fidesz party, which remains in its bosom and has not been suspended as was stated. But also Greece’s New Democracy party, which belongs to the same European party as Orban’s, should take a position immediately and condemn the constitutional deviation by their foster brother.