Fourteen European states warned Thursday against breaches of the rule of law in the Union on the grounds of fighting the epidemic of Covid-19, at a time when the Hungarian Prime Minister has just granted himself quasi-powers unlimited in this context. "In this unprecedented situation, it is legitimate for the member states to adopt extraordinary measures to protect their citizens and overcome the crisis", note Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Latvia, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands in a joint declaration.
"Concerned about the risk of violating the principles of the rule of law"
"However, we are deeply concerned about the risk of violating the principles of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights resulting from the adoption of certain emergency measures," they add.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban got the green light from Parliament on Monday to legislate by ordinance under an indefinite state of emergency on the grounds of fighting the new coronavirus.
"Emergency measures should be limited to what is strictly necessary"
"The emergency measures should be limited to what is strictly necessary, be proportionate and provisional in nature" and "be subject to regular review", continue the 14 states signatory to the declaration.
Fears for freedom of expression and of the press
"They should not restrict freedom of expression or the press," they also note, without ever citing Hungary, which has also imposed a sentence of up to five years in prison for broadcasting " false news "about the virus or government action. And this while the rare independent media in this country are regularly the subject of such accusations.
The declaration is open to other member states (12, excluding Hungary) who wish to sign it. Among them, Poland is also regularly singled out for its attacks on the rule of law.