The must-have newsletter about Hungary

Orbán: Sargentini report 'Dishonours' Hungary

The Sargentini report dishonours Hungary and the Hungarian people, the prime minister said in a European parliamentary debate.

Addressing a debate in Strasbourg on a report prepared by the EP’s civil liberties committee criticising the state of the rule of law in Hungary, Viktor Orbán insisted that MEPs were ready to condemn Hungary because its people had decided that they “won’t become a country of immigrants”. The report, authored by Green MEP Judith Sargentini, says there is a “clear risk” of a serious breach by Hungary of the values
of the EU, and calls for launching the Article 7 procedure which suspends a member state’s rights. “I am standing in front of you and defending my country because freedom, democracy, independence and Europe are questions of honour for Hungarians. As a result, the report in front of you dishonours Hungary and the Hungarian people,” Orbán said. He said the report had been “prepared by those who are unaware of even the most basic facts” and violated earlier agreements between Hungary and the EU. The report will be put to an EP vote on Wednesday. To pass, it will need the backing of a majority of MEPs and will have to secure a two-thirds majority of votes cast.