Europeans build pressure on Viktor Orban

This is a new warning for the Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, who had a law passed on Monday giving him full powers without time limit.

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In a joint declaration, thirteen EU countries warn Hungary while taking care not to write its name black on white. “In this unprecedented situation, it is legitimate for the Member States to adopt extraordinary measures to protect their citizens and overcome the crisis. However, we are deeply concerned by the risk of violations of the principles of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights resulting from the adoption of certain emergency measures, "write the signatories, including France, the Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Greece, Finland and Belgium.

Washington worries

These countries call, in the context of the coronavirus crisis management, for emergency measures "of a proportional and temporary nature, subject to regular examination", also respecting "the principles and obligations of international law" and not likely to "restrict freedom of expression or the press."

While the European Commission announced on Tuesday that its services will examine all the national emergency measures taken by the member states, the signatories say they support this "initiative" and invite the General Affairs Council to "address the question if any. "

Read also: Ursula von der Leyen calls Orban Hungary to order

Viktor Orban, who was warned by the Council of Europe last week before the law was passed, sees mounting pressure. Within the EU, Berlin was very critical on Wednesday. "The EU can only function as a community of values ​​if all (the member countries, note) respect and defend these values", reacted the government spokesperson for Angela Merkel, Ulrike Demmer.

Washington has also voiced its concerns even as the Budapest strongman prides himself on his good deal with Donald Trump. Asked about Hungary, a spokesperson for the US State Department called on all countries "to avoid unduly restricting basic human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the ability of the free press to inform the public at large." subject of the crisis and government responses ”.

Using the pandemic to establish a permanent state of emergency is politically dangerous and morally unacceptable

In this context, it is not very surprising that Donald Tusk, the President of the EPP whose Viktor Orban party - Fidesz - was suspended more than a year ago, argued on Wednesday for a decision to be taken. hold on the formation of Hungarian politics. The former President of the European Council and former Polish Prime Minister is in favor of an expulsion which several member parties of the EPP oppose, including Les Républicains and the all-powerful CDU. " Using the pandemic to establish a permanent state of emergency is politically dangerous and morally unacceptable, " Tusk writes in a letter to the presidents of the parties that are members of the European right. “ Many of you, even if you have criticized Prime Minister Orbán for his previous decisions, have not agreed to expel Fidesz from our political family. Today, of course, we have much more important things in mind, our top priority is the fight against the pandemic. But the time will come soon, when you will have to reconsider your positions again, ”he said at the end of his letter. This is called taking date.