Catherine Domagala-Pereira
Euro MPs from different factions are calling for a complete cut-off of EU funds, ARD reports.
Members of the European Parliament from the various factions in the joint letter call on the European Commission to suspend all EU funds for Hungary," ARD reports.
Among the signatories of the letter are Chadeci, Social Democrats, Liberals and Greens. The aim of the appeal is to exert more force on Hungary and permanently block the backing of Viktor Orbán's government. “Anyone who shows zero concern about respecting EU values deserves zero euro from the EU budget,” says German Liberal Moritz Körner.
Daniel Freund of the German Green Party, the initiator of the letter, points out that it is about the protection of the EU's financial interests, and thus European taxpayers.
There are attacks.
Due to the widespread corruption and the deficiency of independent judiciary in Hungary in fresh years, billions of euro have already been frozen from EU funds due to this country.
– However, we see that for 2 and a half years the sanctions have not improved – says Freund, quoted by ARD. On the contrary, "there are further attacks on independent civilian society, free media, freedom of speech and the independency of the judiciary all week," the German MEP states. – And that is why we talk very, very clearly now: this must end – adds.
Against minorities and NGOs
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is taking increasingly stringent action against minorities and NGOs. In mid-March, his government adopted a bill that severely restricts the freedom of assembly, at the same time banning the June Equality Parade, which aims, among others, at demonstrating the rights of LGBT+ people.
A fewer days ago, Orbán's party, Fidesz, presented a draft law on the transparency of public life. The fresh government – inspired by Russian solutions – provides for harsh action against organisations that allegedly "violate Hungary's sovereignty", conducting public activities with abroad support.
