Opposition demonstrates support for 'Hungarian sovereignty'

Journalist Bronisław Wildstein gives speech at demonstration, Monday: photo - PAP Leszek Szymański

MPs from the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, Krystyna Pawlowicz, Jan Szyszko and prominent right wing journalist Bronislaw Wildstein joined several hundred protesters outside the embassy in support of the Hungarian government headed by Viktor Orban, after a report by Portuguese MEP Rui Tavares called for an investigation to be launched into the “undemocratic” behaviour of the government in Budapest.

Protesters outside the Hungarian Embassy read out a statement calling for “support to the Hungarian people in its effort to preserve its independence and sovereignty within the European Union and solidarity with the Hungarian parliament over an unprecedented pressure by the European Parliament”.

The Tavares report accused PM Orban's right wing Fidesz-led government of rolling back democratic checks and balances, and urged concerted action against it by EU institutions.

The European Commission will meet on 28 August to discuss ways of enforcing observance of fundamental values set out in EU treaties after changes to Hungary's constitution, including changes to the fourth amendment, granting broad new powers to the government

“Since the rule of the Soviet empire, no other external power has dared to try to curb the sovereignty of Hungarians openly,” PM Orban said of interventions by Brussels into Hungarian politics.

Poland's Law and Justice (PiS) party under Jaroslaw Kaczynski has been a staunch of the Orban government, which has asked IMF representatives to leave Budapest this summer after loans to the country are paid off. (pg)