During COVID-19, Hungary Imposed a Quasi-Martial Law... EU Says "Democracy Must Not Be Undermined"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The European Union (EU) strongly criticized Hungary for imposing a quasi-martial law measure that grants Prime Minister Orban Viktor unlimited unchecked power indefinitely under the pretext of preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The EU pointed out concerns that this measure could infringe on democracy, a core value of the EU, and restrict human rights.

According to the Associated Press and others on the 31st of last month (local time), Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated in a press release that "(all emergency measures) must be limited to what is necessary and strictly follow the principle of proportionality," urging that the state of emergency should not be maintained indefinitely. President von der Leyen emphasized, "It is above all important that emergency measures cannot replace the fundamental principles and values set out in the EU treaties."

The emergency measures referred to by President von der Leyen are those mentioned in the COVID-19 containment law passed by the Hungarian parliament the previous day. According to this law, Prime Minister Orban can extend the state of emergency indefinitely and can nullify existing laws or enact new laws through prime ministerial decrees. In effect, this grants him 'omnipotent authority.'

Sofie in 't Veld, a progressive Dutch member leading the European Parliament's Rule of Law Committee, pointed out, "Prime Minister Orban has completed a plan to destroy democracy and the rule of law in Hungary," adding, "The actions of the Hungarian government contradict EU membership."

U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel also criticized, saying, "Prime Minister Orban has taken blatant power grabs amid the most serious global health crisis in recent history," and "This legislation has rendered the Hungarian parliament insignificant and allowed Prime Minister Orban to rule by decree like a dictator."

Prime Minister Orban's side rebutted the criticism that the COVID-19 response decree violates EU treaties. Orban stated that the Hungarian parliament will decide when to end the government's authority, emphasizing, "I do not have the power to extend this authority." He added, "If the parliament decides that the state of emergency is over, everything will return to normal rule of law." Zoltan Kovacs, the prime minister's spokesperson, also claimed, "The COVID-19 containment law complies with several treaties and the Hungarian constitution and is limited solely to COVID-19 prevention."