COVID-19 is not an excuse to kill democratic accountability, the Party of European Socialists said today as Viktor Orban secured sweeping new powers in Hungary.

PES President Sergei Stanishev said:

“Viktor Orban is a repeat offender when it comes to undermining democracy. Today he managed to secure what he has always dreamed of – sweeping powers and even less accountability.

“Orban has shown time and time again that he cannot be trusted. He has already attacked the media, universities, NGOs, the judiciary and workers, and now he’s taking aim at the country’s democratic foundations. A Fidesz government with extraordinary powers, which are not even time limited, is a democratic disaster waiting to happen.

“We stand in solidarity with MSZP and all the democrats in Hungary who are working against the pernicious government of Fidesz. Progressives have been very clear, Orban must not be allowed to undermine the Rule of Law. This was true before COVID-19 and it remains true today.”

Read the full article here.