Under this current crisis, we now face not only a risk to our health but a threat to democracy in the EU. The European Youth Forum is deeply concerned by Hungary’s adopted “Bill on Protection against the Coronavirus”, which will have detrimental consequences for democracy and human rights in Hungary. 

On Monday 30 March 2020, the Hungarian parliament passed a new set of measures under the pretext of fighting the COVID-19 crisis that allows Prime Minister Viktor Orban to rule by decree for an unlimited period.  As long as this indefinite state of emergency is in effect, by-elections and referendums can no longer be held in the country and the system of checks and balances is compromised. The new legislation will also allow up to five years of imprisonment for those accused of spreading misinformation about the COVID-19 crisis. 

In order to legitimately prioritise public health, governments across Europe and around the world are being forced to take emergency measures, in many cases resulting in limiting rights and fundamental freedoms. However, under no circumstances must these emergency powers be misused or in any way override the rule of law. 

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