Fidesz Accuses France and Poland of Backsliding European Democracy
The head of parliament’s foreign affairs committee, Zsolt Németh, warned on Monday that the misuse of criminal law for political purposes poses a serious threat to European democracies and the rule of law. Németh pointed to cases in Poland and France as examples of this dangerous trend.
Speaking in Strasbourg during the spring session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Németh expressed concern over the erosion of democracy in Europe, highlighting that the decline is not happening in places like Budapest or Belgrade, but rather in countries like France and Poland.
Németh criticized the legal proceedings against Marine Le Pen in France, stating that the lack of right to appeal in her case was concerning. He also mentioned similar politically motivated court decisions in Poland, where justice is being used as a tool against certain politicians.
The ECPA head emphasized the importance of democracy and fair competition at the ballot box, rather than using legal measures to eliminate political opponents. He urged European democracies to address the real challenges they face and refrain from undermining the rule of law.
Németh welcomed the initiative by CoE Secretary General Alain Berset to draft a New Pact for Democracy, emphasizing the need to defend democratic principles in the face of backsliding. He called for a serious approach to the challenges and urged against diverting attention from the core issues.
In a noteworthy observation, Németh pointed out that despite criticism, Hungary’s Fidesz party has never condemned leaders of partner organizations, demonstrating solidarity even in the face of controversy. He also highlighted ongoing protests in Hungary against restrictions on the right to assembly, underscoring the importance of upholding democratic values in public life.
