EP rapporteur wants Hungary's harshest approach

EP rapporteur wants Hungary's harshest approach

World April 11, 2018 15:45

brussels - In Hungary there is a systematic threat to democracy, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms. This is the conclusion of the Hungary-Rapporteur of the European Parliament, Judith Sargentini, of GroenLinks after a small year of research.

The politician therefore calls on the European Council of Heads of Government to activate Article 7 of the EU Treaty, a criminal procedure through which Hungary could eventually lose its voting rights in the union.

The patience of the parliament with the right-nationalist government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was already in May last year. A majority then gave the order to officially establish that Hungary violates European values.

Concerns about independent justice in Hungary, but also corruption, conflicts of interest, privacy, the rights of minorities and migrants, as well as the freedom of religion, expression, association and the press justify the conclusion that the country has eroded the rule of law in such a way that it Criminal court must, argues Sargentini in its 26-page report presented on Wednesday. She visited Budapest and spoke with many experts last year.

To activate Article 7, many more steps are needed. MEPs have until 15 May to make changes to the report, followed by a vote in the Civil Liberties Committee at the end of June. In September, the entire parliament will vote on it. Two thirds of the votes are required for an Article 7 procedure. It is only then that the Member States are ready.

There are similar problems in Poland. The European Commission stated in December that the rule of law there is so under pressure that Article 7 must be invoked. Activating this 'nuclear option' is ultimately a matter for the Member States. Voting rights can only be withdrawn if all other EU countries agree to this. Hungary has announced not to support the measures against Poland.

The Fidesz party of Orbán was the big winner of the parliamentary elections last weekend, so a fourth term for him as prime minister has been secured.

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