EP Debate on Hungary: Criticisms of ‘Authoritarian Police State’
The European Parliament Holds Contentious Debate on Hungary’s Legislative Developments
On 2 April 2025, the European Parliament convened in Strasbourg to discuss Hungary’s recent legislative decisions, sparking a heated debate on issues such as the ban on the Budapest Pride march and concerns surrounding the rule of law. The dialogue revealed stark divisions between Hungary’s government and EU institutions.
A focal point of the discussion was Hungary’s enactment of a new law prohibiting Pride marches, citing the controversial 2021 “child protection” legislation as justification. Critics, as reported by Index, argue that this law infringes upon fundamental EU values like freedom of assembly and expression. Another contentious issue was a proposed Hungarian law that could potentially strip MEPs of their mandates for failing to complete asset declarations, further intensifying the debate.
Adam Szlapka, representing Poland’s EU Council presidency, stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law and fundamental rights as core European values. He announced plans to review Hungary’s rule-of-law situation twice during Poland’s presidency, including through Article 7 procedures.
Michael McGrath, the European Commissioner for Democracy and Rule of Law, condemned Hungary’s use of the “child protection” law to curtail peaceful assemblies, asserting that such actions are incompatible with EU standards. He also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by civil society and media in Hungary.
MEPs engaged in the debate expressed strong condemnation towards Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government. Tineke Strik of the Greens denounced Hungary as an “authoritarian police state,” accusing it of employing technology to stifle dissent. Social Democrat Csaba Molnár labeled the Pride ban as “vile homophobia” masquerading as child protection, while Greek MEP Konstantinos Arvanitis advocated for withholding EU funds from Hungary due to alleged democratic regression.
On the other hand, Hungarian Fidesz MEP Tamás Deutsch dismissed the debate as a “political circus,” defending Hungary’s policies as safeguarding children and national sovereignty in alignment with the will of Hungarian citizens. Jacek Ozdoba from Poland’s PiS party also supported Hungary’s position, arguing that it respects parents’ rights to instill their values in their children.
Various liberal and left-wing MEPs called for stronger actions against Hungary, including the suspension of its voting rights in the Council. Renew Europe’s Fabienne Keller encouraged colleagues to partake in the banned Budapest Pride march as a gesture of solidarity.
While Hungarian officials justified their actions as defending sovereignty and traditional values, many MEPs viewed them as direct transgressions of shared European principles. The debate underscored the deep-seated divisions between Hungary and the EU, setting the stage for continued scrutiny and potential consequences moving forward.
