MEPs recognise Hungary no longer fully democratic
Rule of law
Today, Members of the European Parliament have voted to support the findings of Greens/EFA MEP, Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield’s report into the “Existence of a clear risk of a serious breach by Hungary of the values on which the Union is founded”. The report states that Hungary has moved from being a democracy to a ‘hybrid regime of electoral autocracy’.
Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield, Greens/EFA MEP and European Parliament rapporteur, comments:
“For the first time, an EU institution is stating the sad truth, that Hungary is no longer a democracy. Viktor Orban and his Fidesz party have put their time and effort into tearing apart the fabric of democracy and ripping up the rule of law instead of supporting their citizens. As a result, Hungary is no longer a democracy, it is now a hybrid regime of electoral autocracy.
“The costs for Hungarian citizens are clear: They are having their rights removed and opportunities undermined, all while their state is stripped apart by autocracts and oligarchs. It is not too late to repair the damage to democracy, but it will require a united front from the EU and its Member States.
“The large majority we have in the Parliament is unprecedented, which should be a wake up call for the Commission and Council. Yesterday, President von der Leyen said that It is the Commission's duty to protect the rule of law, and we expect her to act on these words in Hungary.
“The Council must act on the contents of this report when they next discuss the Article 7 procedure. The time for talking is over, European Member States must come out with clear recommendations for the Hungarian government on how to return to the path of democracy and the rule of law.”
More:
The report serves as an update to the vote of the European Parliament in September 2018, from then Greens/EFA MEP Judith Sargentini, which initiated the Article 7 procedure against the Hungarian government. The details of this report can now be discussed by Member States in the General Affairs Council. The next General Affairs Council will take place on October 18th. The Greens/EFA Group are calling on the Czech Presidency to ensure that the Council adopts recommendations on the rule of law, with a deadline to act for the Hungarian government.
