“Bugs” that “have survived too much” and need to be eradicated as part of a “house cleaning for Easter.” These are the words Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán used to label politicians, judges, journalists, civil society organisations and political activists in a recent speech.
Orbán’s choice of words reflects an attitude observed by a cross-party group of MEPs who visited Budapest last month. The delegation from the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) was sent to investigate rule of law backsliding in Hungary as the country is currently under investigation for breaching Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union, which upholds EU values across the bloc.
During the trip, one conclusion became abundantly clear: The EU must stand strong to protect its values.
Hungarian hostility
Hungarian authorities responded to our delegation with palpable hostility. Meetings with government-affiliated actors left little space for constructive conversation. Discussions were dominated by deflections and accusations towards the European Parliament.
Orbán has clearly chosen his path and does not intend to deviate from it. The situation described by civil society organisations (CSOs) and independent institutions is similarly worrying. Bodies intended to uphold EU standards, such as the anti-corruption Integrity Authority and the National Judicial Council, are being obstructed from holding the government to account.
Representatives of the judiciary reported government influence in appointments, smear campaigns and intimidation through disciplinary procedures against judges. Despite this, the European Commission has released €10.2 billion of previously frozen funds due to Hungary "fulfilling" judicial independence reforms.
Critical CSOs are subject to intense crackdowns by Orbán. They face continuous smear campaigns, obstructive administrative requirements, intimidation and investigations by Orbán’s “Sovereignty Protection Office,” mainly targeting EU-funded organisations under the umbrella of "foreign influence." The increasing pressure threatens the very existence of CSOs, in particular those in grassroots stages. The remaining independent media are subject to similar intimidation.
Orbán has also targeted freedom of assembly. On 14 April, the Hungarian Parliament adopted the 15th Amendment to the Fundamental Law — the country’s constitution. This states, among other things, that the protection of children takes precedence over all other fundamental rights.
In practice, this means that any demonstration that displeases the government can easily be prohibited with reference to this amendment. This began with the recent banning of Budapest Pride on 28 June.
Hungary's rule of law backsliding goes beyond institutions and civil society: it affects the entirety of Hungarian society. Teachers are being forced to teach a propaganda-filled curriculum, limited to a few government-approved textbooks. There are reports of doctors being punished for providing gender-affirming treatment and camera surveillance in hospitals.
Meanwhile, Orbán is also wreaking havoc on EU democracy. With his veto, he obstructs action against Russia and support for Ukraine, endangering the security of Europe.
EU action needed for real change
Orbán will continue to consolidate his power by taking over institutions and silencing critics. The measures taken by the EU, including freezing funds and beginning the Article 7 procedure on a breach of EU values, put pressure on him, but these need to be followed through.
We cannot be naive about the situation on the ground and willingly accept purely cosmetic reforms. We cannot repeat the Commission’s mistake of unfreezing funds over the judicial independence reforms. The EU needs to draw clear lines and stand strong. The Commission needs to take Hungary to the Court of Justice to stop the ban on Pride.
We must also be realistic: Orbán does not feel that the Council will act against him under Article 7 and therefore will not budge from his autocratic path. Member states need to conclude that Hungary is in breach of EU values and take away Orbán’s voting rights, instead of tiptoeing around him or asking him to leave the room so that votes can be passed.
The European Council summit about Hungary on 27 May is the perfect moment for leaders to take the next step and stop Orbán from blocking and blackmailing EU decision-making on crucial files.
The EP initiated its Article 7 procedure seven years ago. The EU can no longer look away while Hungarian citizens are being oppressed. We mustn’t let Orbán hollow out our EU values with impunity. When democracy and rule of law are increasingly under threat worldwide, the EU can only stand up as a democratic leader if it cleans up its own house first.
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