EP adopts resolution on political developments in Hungary

The European Parliament at a plenary session on Thursday adopted in Strasbourg a four-party resolution on recent political developments in Hungary.

The resolution, submitted and approved by the Socialist, Liberal and Green groups and the European United Left/Nordic Green Left party, expresses "serious concern" about "the exercise of democracy, the rule of law, the respect and protection of human and social rights, the system of checks and balances, equality and non-discrimination."

European lawmakers of the European Peoples' Party and the Conservatives rejected the resolution as being "ignorant of the facts" and interfering into Hungary's internal affairs. Leftist, Socialist, liberal and green lawmakers said it was the "necessary warning" sent to the country.

The resolution says the Commission should conduct a thorough study to ensure the independence of the judiciary, the central bank, and the data protection authority.  

Zoltan Kovacs, state secretary for government communications said the decision was politically motivated and stemmed from a lack of information on behalf of the EP.

Csaba Tabajdi, head of the Hungarian Socialist MEP group and one of the authors of the resolution text, said the document was criticism aimed at the Orban government.

Andras Gyurk, head of the Hungarian European Peoples' Party group, said the resolution had no legal binding force.

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