Our letter to President Sassoli on the LIBE Committee’s communication on the extension of State of Danger in Hungary

The Fidesz-KDNP delegation to the EP sent a letter to President Sassoli on the LIBE Committee’s press release which “expressed concern about the intention to vote in the Hungarian Parliament on the extension of the State of Danger”

David Maria SASSOLI

President of the European Parliament

Brussels, 24 March 2020

Honourable President,

We have learnt with astonishment that LIBE Committee chair has initiated a “written procedure” with the objective of “issuing a press release in order to express concern about the intention to vote in the Hungarian Parliament on the extension of the “State of danger” and related changes to the Criminal Code and ask the Commission to assess it for compliance with the values enshrined in Article 2 TEU”.

We find it outrageous that in midst of a deadly Coronavirus pandemics, which threatens the life of millions of Europeans, an EP committee instead of investing its time and intellectual capacities in finding ways of prevention and protection of citizens is engaging itself in a mean party political battling based on lies. 

Let me emphasize here that the Hungarian government’s proposal to extend the state of emergency is respectful of the rule of law and its objective is no other than saving lives. I would like to assure you that the procedure followed by the Hungarian Parliament is fully based on the rules which are prescribed by the Basic Law of Hungary in case of danger.

Let me also remind you that extraordinary legal order provides the undisturbed functioning of the Constitutional Court. These guarantees of the rule of law are inherent part of the emergency regulations authorized by the Art 53 of our Constitution. 

We fully agree that democratic values and principles must be protected even in times of crisis, but it is equally important to protect the principle of equal and fair treatment. If LIBE decides to analyse the compliance of emergency measures against EU law, they should do it in ALL Member States, without singling out one. 

Swedish parliament’s recent decision to temporarily cut the number of MPs from 349 to 55, the two year-long state of emergency and government by decrees in France from 2015 to 2017, president Macron’s recent declaration “We are at war”, or the potential two year-long border closing foreseen by the Czech government that could lock the Czechs in the country are just a few examples that could be subject of a deeper analysis on equal footing, without party political prejudices.

We find therefore LIBE’s proceeding unacceptable and irresponsible, and we expect you as President of the House to raise your voice against it.

Thank you for your kind cooperation.

Tamás Deutsch MEP

Head of the Hungarian EPP Delegation