Final report on Hungary shows damning picture on rule of law & EU’s response

Today, MEPs will vote on the final report of this mandate on the situation surrounding the rule of law in Hungary. This is the first resolution that takes a look at the recent Sovereignty Law proposed by the ruling Fidesz party and provides a comprehensive overview of developments in the country since 2022. The Greens/EFA Group are calling for the Council to move forward on ongoing the Article 7 process for Hungary.

Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield, Greens/EFA Group Member and European Parliament Rapporteur on the situations in Hungary, comments:

“Today’s report takes stock of just how far Hungary has fallen from the path of European values and the rule of law. It’s sad that we end another Parliamentary mandate with no end in sight to the rule of law crisis. Instead of continuously attempting to bargain with Orban, the Council must move forward on the Article 7 process. It’s time for the Council to finally issue recommendations to Hungary on how to improve the situation.

“This report is a daming insight into the recent political manoeuvres by the Hungarian regime to further undermine opponents, and shut down democratic discourse. The continuous labelling of opponents and critics as ‘traitors’ or 'unpatriotic’ by Fidesz politicians is straight out of the authoritarian handbook.

“It is deeply concerning that the next time this parliament meets, in July, the European Council will be chaired by the Hungarian Presidency. That means that Viktor Orban will be steering the helm of the Council during the formation of the new Commission and setting the course for the Council over the next half year. The same Orban who has continuously and systematically dismantled the independence of democratic, freedom of the press and judicial structures in Hungary. The upcoming Hungarian Presidency should alarm anyone who respects fundamental rights, the rule of law and democracy.”

More:

There will be a press conference on the situation in Hungary and the case of Ilaria Salis, with Gwendoline Delbos-Corfiled MEP, Roberto Salis & Ignazio Marino today at 14:30 in the Daphne Caruana Galizia Press Room in Strasbourg. The press conference will have interpretation in EN/FR/IT/HU. Journalists can follow the press conference online and ask questions via Interactio here.