Published: Wed, 09 October 2024
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Strasbourg – Sean Kelly, MEP for Ireland South and Leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament, has called for decisive action to address ongoing rule of law breaches in Hungary. Speaking in the European Parliament, Kelly highlighted serious concerns about Hungary’s commitment to the Union’s core values, citing judicial independence, media freedom, and anti-corruption as areas where Hungary has repeatedly fallen short.
“The 2024 report laid bare a number of shortcomings we simply cannot ignore,” Kelly stated. “Judicial independence is under threat, media freedom is being curtailed, and corruption is rampant. These are not minor issues—they strike at the very heart of our Union’s democratic principles.”
Kelly drew a stark contrast between Hungary’s situation and Ireland’s efforts to strengthen its judicial system. “In Ireland, we have worked hard to improve our national judicial processes, but we are only one Member State. What we need now is a Union-wide approach to tackle those repeat offenders who make little to no effort to address their violations. Hungary stands at the top of that list,” Kelly remarked.
Kelly singled out Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s recent legislation as an example of the government’s disregard for European values. “Orbán’s law on the defence of sovereignty is a blatant assault on democracy and fundamental rights. It’s a clear breach of the rule of law, and we cannot allow this to go unchecked. This will be the challenge faced by Irish Commissioner Designate McGrath as he starts on his portfolio.”
He also expressed concern about Hungary’s current presidency of the Council of the EU. “Orbán talks about making the EU ‘great again’, but how can we trust him to lead when he consistently undermines the very principles on which the Union is built? His populist rhetoric is nothing more than hypocrisy.”
Kelly emphasized that the EU must take a firm stand. “For how much longer can we watch as Hungary blocks our progress, our expansion, and our external aid while blatantly violating our core values? The time for lip service is over. We need to take concrete steps to protect the rule of law across the Union.”
Kelly concluded by stressing the importance of holding Hungary accountable for its actions. “We must stand together as a Union to safeguard our principles. Hungary’s government cannot be allowed to continue down this path without consequences.”
