Hungary imposes new state of emergency over Ukraine, raising concerns

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has imposed a new state of emergency in the country, citing the challenges posed by the ongoing war in neighboring Ukraine.

Hungary is already under a state of emergency, linked to the COVID pandemic, which is due to expire next Tuesday.

“The world is on the verge of an economic crisis. Hungary must stay out of this war and protect the financial security of its families,” the nationalist leader says on Facebook, in comments that raise fresh concerns about the restriction of rights.

“This requires room for maneuver and immediate action. The government, exercising its right under the Basic Law, declares a state of emergency due to war as of midnight,” Orban adds.

Rules decided under the new law change will be announced on Wednesday, Orban says.

Shortly before the announcement, the Hungarian parliament, which had just been sworn in, amends the constitution to allow for such a measure.

The Hungarian Civil Liberties Union (TASZ) denounces the move, saying that “the state of emergency that has become permanent.”