JAKARTA - The Hungarian Parliament has granted Hungarian Prime Minister (PM) Viktor Orban an open right to rule by decree and imprisonment for anyone who blocks steps to suppress the spread of COVID-19. The penalty also applies to spreading false information about the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, upon this decision, the European Union (EU) warned Hungary that the emergency steps taken by the Hungarian government to combat the COVID-19 crisis must not weaken democracy.
"It is imperative that emergency measures do not compromise our basic principles and values, democracy cannot work without a free and independent media," said EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
"Every emergency measure is limited to what is necessary and proportionate. They cannot last indefinitely. The government must ensure that such measures are monitored regularly, "Ursula von der Leyen added in a statement.
The EU Commission's Executive Board said it would analyze the laws that Hungary applies and monitor their implementation. The policy drew criticism from opposition parties, and EU rights groups, for not setting specific limits on how long the regulations will take effect.
In addition, the policy also imposes prison terms of up to five years on measures deemed to hinder the spread of COVID-19 or spread false information that could anger people or hinder the fight against the virus.
Rights groups say the policy may be used to suppress journalists because the media is independent. This has resulted in staff cuts for the independent media and while media loyal to the government continues to receive tax money.
But Hungarian government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs said the law was in line with the treaty (EU) and Hungary's constitution and was targeted exclusively at fighting COVID-19. "It upholds EU values, rule of law, freedom of the press," said Zovacs.
Regime character
Since coming to power in 2010, the Hungarian PM has built a media he can control, using legal levers, change of ownership and advertising money for more government-loyal media coverage. The economic impact of COVID-19 could accelerate a media overhaul.
The government has rejected the criticism, saying the policy was designed only to take the necessary steps against COVID-19 and explaining that parliament can revoke the special powers.
Orban, who has gradually risen to power over a decade in Hungary, is often in conflict with the European Union and human rights organizations over his lack of action in a democratic balance and rule of law.
Opposition lawmakers say they support the government's overall fight against the coronavirus but want a deadline given to special powers that parliament can expand if necessary. Parliament rejects all opposition amendments.
Another country in the European Union, namely Poland, has also restricted the movement of people and economic activity through executive decrees. Both Poland and Hungary are engaged in a lengthy debate with Brussels, which accuses them of frequently undermining the basic principles of EU democracy.
There were 492 cases of COVID-19 in Hungary, 16 of which died and 37 people recovered. Meanwhile in Poland there were 2,311 cases and 33 of them died. A total of 7 people recovered.
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