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BRUSSELS: The head of the EU’s executive branch has threatened Hungary with legal proceedings over new laws to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Ursula von der Leyen told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper that she was “ready to act if the restrictions go beyond what is allowed.” Earlier this month, the Hungarian parliament, dominated by Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party, handed the government broad authorities to deal with the coronavirus crisis.
The law, passed without an expiration date, allows Orban to govern by decree, in some cases without parliamentary oversight.
That drew criticism from fellow EU member states, particularly as Orban has already clashed with European partners over authoritarian policies during his 10-year tenure.
Von der Leyen said imposing emergency measures to combat the virus was acceptable, “but the measures have to be proportionate, within a limited time period and democratically controlled.” (DPA)
Ursula von der Leyen told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper that she was “ready to act if the restrictions go beyond what is allowed.” Earlier this month, the Hungarian parliament, dominated by Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party, handed the government broad authorities to deal with the coronavirus crisis.
The law, passed without an expiration date, allows Orban to govern by decree, in some cases without parliamentary oversight.
That drew criticism from fellow EU member states, particularly as Orban has already clashed with European partners over authoritarian policies during his 10-year tenure.
Von der Leyen said imposing emergency measures to combat the virus was acceptable, “but the measures have to be proportionate, within a limited time period and democratically controlled.” (DPA)
