In a recent development, European Union lawmakers have called for increased pressure on Hungary to ensure the respect of the rule of law within the country. This comes amid concerns over Hungary's democratic practices under the leadership of Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
The European Parliament has long been critical of the erosion of democratic values in Hungary, with many accusing Orban's government of taking measures that undermine the independence of the judiciary, restrict media freedom, and curtail the rights of civil society organizations. This has raised concerns about the country's commitment to the fundamental principles upon which the European Union is built.
The latest move by EU lawmakers reflects growing frustration over Hungary's perceived disregard for the rule of law. They have urged the European Commission to diligently monitor the situation and take appropriate action to address these concerns.
One of the key issues of contention is Hungary's emergency COVID-19 measures, which are seen by many as an opportunity for the government to tighten its grip on power. While emergency measures are necessary during times of crisis, there have been widespread allegations that these measures have been abused by the government to suppress dissent and undermine democratic institutions.
Critics argue that Hungary's government has exploited the pandemic to enact legislation that grants Orban sweeping powers without an end-date or effective checks and balances. This has raised alarm bells among EU lawmakers and human rights organizations who fear that Hungary is sliding further away from the principles of democracy and rule of law.
The concerns surrounding Hungary have also been echoed by international organizations like the Council of Europe's Venice Commission. In a recent report, the commission expressed concerns over the Hungarian government's attempts to control the judiciary and recommended that steps be taken to ensure the independence of the judicial system.
The European Parliament has repeatedly called for action to address Hungary's democratic backsliding. It has even launched Article 7 proceedings, which could ultimately result in the suspension of Hungary's voting rights in the EU if serious and persistent breaches of EU values are confirmed.
However, some argue that the efficacy of these measures is questionable, as EU member states with close ties to Hungary, like Poland, have previously protected Hungary from facing any significant consequences. This has led to accusations that the EU lacks the political will to take decisive action against Orbán's government.
In response to these concerns, EU lawmakers are now calling for a fresh approach to hold Hungary accountable. They argue that the EU's budget and recovery fund, which aims to support member states facing economic challenges due to the pandemic, should be contingent on the respect for the rule of law. This would put pressure on Hungary to comply with EU values if it wishes to receive financial support.
It remains to be seen whether these increased efforts to pressure Hungary into respecting the rule of law will yield any substantive results. Nevertheless, the fact that EU lawmakers are actively discussing and pushing for measures to address these concerns demonstrates a growing recognition of the need to safeguard democracy and the rule of law within the European Union. The outcome of these discussions will have far-reaching implications not only for Hungary but also for the future of European democracy as a whole.
