The European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) met on Tuesday to discuss the rule of law in Hungary and the Article 7 procedure that has been ongoing against Hungary since 2018. Dutch Green Party rapporteur Tineke Strik presented her draft report on the rule of law in Hungary to the committee, which is based on information gathered during the LIBE mission in April, as well as EU and UN sources.
According to Tineke Strik, the rule of law in Hungary has deteriorated further in recent years. She highlighted the issue of impartiality in the administration of justice, the lack of transparency in judicial appointments, signs of pressure being exerted in disciplinary proceedings, and the deterioration of media pluralism and the situation of civil society organizations. She also expressed concern about the violation of minority rights, such as LGBTQ rights, and referred to the planned ban on Pride.
The shadow rapporteur for the People’s Party, Michal Wawrykiewicz, as well as representatives of the social democratic S&D and liberal Renew groups, also reinforced the weight of the report, highlighting the systemic violation of judicial independence and fundamental rights in Hungary and the importance of action by EU institutions.
During the committee debate, Fidesz MEP László András criticized the report, arguing that such scrutiny was predictable in the run-up to Hungary’s upcoming elections. He emphasized that Hungarian voters had reaffirmed their support for Fidesz in three consecutive parliamentary elections and contended that these recurring reports offer little new insight, representing “dead ends” rather than constructive analysis.
The Hungarian people thank you very much, but we can protect our Hungarian democracy and our civil liberties without you,”
said András, who concluded his speech by drawing attention to all factual errors and double standards.
Amendments to the draft report are expected by October 6, and the committee is expected to vote on it on November 11, followed by a decision in the EP plenary.
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Via Index; Featured photo: Hungary Today
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