Hungary: Council inaction emboldening autocrats

Today, MEPs have just adopted the Parliament’s latest damning update on the situation facing Hungary and the rule of law. The report from Tineke Strik updates the latest developments in Hungary surrounding failings on the rule of law. The report finds an ever worsening situation facing democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights situation in Hungary and calls on the Council to finally move forward on Article 7.

Tineke Strik, Greens/EFA Group MEP and European Parliament Rapporteur on the situation in Hungary, comments:

“This is the second time the Parliament has needed to come out with an interim report on Article 7 because the Council is simply failing to do its job and take action on Hungary. This procedure has been ongoing for seven years already: it’s time for Member States to take their role seriously and support democracy and the rule of law in Hungary before it’s too late.

“For too long, European governments have sat idly by while people’s rights and fundamental freedoms are being destroyed for the sake of an increasingly autocratic regime. Independent media is almost non-existent in Hungary, opposition politicians, civil society and the organisers of peaceful protests such as Pride events are being attacked by the full force of Fidesz’ assault on democracy. This cannot be allowed to continue. The Council needs to take away Orbán’s voting rights.

“The Commission also needs to up the ante and freeze up to one hundred percent of funds to Hungary. Inaction doesn’t only embolden Orbán to stay the course, it encourages other wannabe autocrats to follow suit with impunity. It’s overtime for both the Commission and the Council, they need to take action now until the government in Budapest complies with European values as enshrined in the treaties.”