Hungary is a " systemic threat " to the founding values of the EU, essentially " it is no longer a democracy ".

This is what we read in the very harsh report approved by the European Parliament in which the intervention of the Commission and the Council is requested to immediately activate all the measures provided for by article 7 of the European treaties : "Any further delay would amount to a violation of the principle of the State by law by the Board itself ".

The report was approved with 433 votes in favor and 123 against. Among the opponents are the MEPs of the Lega and Fratelli d'Italia , parties close to the Hungarian premier Viktor Orban .

It is emphasized that Article 7 "does not require the unanimity of the Member States to identify a clear risk of serious violation of EU values or to formulate precise recommendations and deadlines".

And the "lack" of "decisive" action by the EU is criticized, which "has contributed to the emergence of a hybrid regime of electoral autocracy , that is a constitutional system in which elections are held but lack of respect for norms and standards democrats ".

The conclusions of this report are "clear and irrevocable", says rapporteur Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield tranchant: "Hungary is not a democracy".

It was "more urgent than ever" for Parliament to take this position, he added, "considering the alarming pace at which the rule of law is retreating in Hungary." The rapporteur also mentions "sanctions" on Hungary including the " withdrawal of its voting rights " in the European context.

"AN INSULT"

The reaction in Budapest was furious, with Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto calling the Brussels vote an "insult" to Hungary.

"I consider it an insult to Hungarians that Hungary's ability to practice democracy is questioned," said Szijjarto speaking at a press conference in Budapest, and saying he was "amazed" that there are people in Strasbourg and Brussels who "belittle" the Country .

DISPUTES IN ITALY

On the Italian front, Lega and FdI voted against the report, siding with their respective ID and ECR groups.

“Once again when democracy in Europe has to be defended, the parties of Giorgia Meloni and Matteo Salvini take the opposite side, that of illiberal regimes . For Fratelli d'Italia and Lega, the attacks on the Constitution and the independence of the judiciary, the continuous corruption cases, the overt conflicts of interest over European funds, the discriminatory laws against the rights of LGBTIQ people, women and asylum seekers, laws that restrict freedom of expression and media pluralism are not shame to be denounced, but flagships ”, comments Laura Ferrara , MEP of the Five Star Movement, in a note.

“Orban acts like an autocrat, he threatens democracy and respect for civil rights. Lega and FdI, Salvini and Meloni voted against. Orban has always been their friend and model . Those who take each other look alike ”, attacks instead the secretary of + Europe Benedetto Della Vedova .

(Unioneonline / L)

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