Hungary is a " systemic threat " to the founding values of the EU, essentially " it is no longer a democracy ".
This is what we read in the very harsh report approved by the European Parliament in which the intervention of the Commission and the Council is requested to immediately activate all the measures provided for by article 7 of the European treaties : "Any further delay would amount to a violation of the principle of the State by law by the Board itself ".
The report was approved with 433 votes in favor and 123 against. Among the opponents are the MEPs of the Lega and Fratelli d'Italia , parties close to the Hungarian premier Viktor Orban .
It is emphasized that Article 7 "does not require the unanimity of the Member States to identify a clear risk of serious violation of EU values or to formulate precise recommendations and deadlines".
And the "lack" of "decisive" action by the EU is criticized, which "has contributed to the emergence of a hybrid regime of electoral autocracy , that is a constitutional system in which elections are held but lack of respect for norms and standards democrats ".
The conclusions of this report are "clear and irrevocable", says rapporteur Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield tranchant: "Hungary is not a democracy".
It was "more urgent than ever" for Parliament to take this position, he added, "considering the alarming pace at which the rule of law is retreating in Hungary." The rapporteur also mentions "sanctions" on Hungary including the " withdrawal of its voting rights " in the European context.
"AN INSULT"
The reaction in Budapest was furious, with Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto calling the Brussels vote an "insult" to Hungary.
"I consider it an insult to Hungarians that Hungary's ability to practice democracy is questioned," said Szijjarto speaking at a press conference in Budapest, and saying he was "amazed" that there are people in Strasbourg and Brussels who .
