Wrapping up the plenary debate that took place on 10 April, Parliament adopted on Wednesday (399 votes in favour, 117 against, and 28 abstentions) its final resolution in the current legislative term assessing democracy in Hungary. The text denounces serious deficiencies related to the justice system, anti-corruption and conflicts of interest, media freedom, fundamental rights, the constitutional and electoral system, the functioning of civil society, the protection of the EU’s financial interests, and compliance with the single market principles.
Concerns about the Sovereignty Protection Office
Looking into the latest instances of the “persistent systemic and deliberate breach” of EU values in the country, Parliament condemns the adoption of the Protection of National Sovereignty Act and the establishment of the Sovereignty Protection Office (SPO). The SPO has “extensive powers and a strict system of surveillance and sanctions, which fundamentally violates standards of democracy […] and breaches multiple EU laws”, Parliament says. MEPs ask the Commission to request the EU Court of Justice for interim measures to immediately sus