Several EU member states including powerful Germany and France warn that coronavirus emergency measures taken by bloc countries should not violate fundamental rights, after Hungary’s leader Viktor Orban took on sweeping powers.
While not specifically naming Orban or Hungary, 13 members of the 27-country European Union clearly target the premier’s move to assume strongman powers that critics call dictatorial.
“In this unprecedented situation, it is legitimate that member states adopt extraordinary measures to protect their citizens and overcome the crisis,” a statement says. “We are however deeply concerned about the risk of violations of the principles of rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights arising from the adoption of certain emergency measures.
The statement is also signed by Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.
No Eastern European country, however, backed the document.
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Wednesday, April 1, 2020
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