Changes to constitution undemocratic & authoritarian

Today, the Hungarian parliament has voted through constitutional amendments that will drastically strengthen the government's already autocratic powers, while clamping down on civil society and free speech. The Greens/EFA Group have long called for the Commission and Council to take action in defence of democracy and fundamental rights in Hungary. 

Tineke Strik, European Parliament rapporteur for the situation in Hungary and Greens/EFA MEP, comments: 

“Today’s constitutional amendments double down on Viktor Orban’s autocratic powers while further marginalising people and striping away their rights. The Constitution will now state that there are only two genders, with demostrations such as Pride, being banned under the guise of 'protecting children', essentially eliminating the right to protest and the freedom of assembly. 

“A country that bans the freedom of assembly, prohibits the right to protest and draws up lists of enemies from civil society is a far cry from a democracy. Orban’s plan to revoke Hungarian nationality from those who criticise the government is cruel and deeply undemocratic. This poses an existential threat to civil society, independant media and opposition actors.

“While attacking critical voices in the Hungarian population, Orbán is also busy expanding his own powers, by removing the term limit of the state of emergency so he will be able to extend it indefinitely. He is also creating the possibility to suspend any law with a two-thirds majority in parliament.

“The Council cannot dither as Hungary models itself into a mini Moscow. It’s time for other EU governments to move forward on the Article 7 procedure. In this time of deep global upheaval, Europe cannot afford to dither while Hungary transitions into a fully fledged dictatorship.”