Hungarian Deputy PM: EC decision to launch Article 7 procedure against Poland ‘astounding’

The European Commission’s decision to launch Article 7.1 procedure against Poland over its judicial reforms is “unprecedented and astounding”, Zsolt Semjén, Hungary’s deputy prime minister said, adding that Hungary may veto it.

The decision seriously violates Poland’s sovereignty. It is unacceptable that Brussels is exerting pressure on sovereign member states and arbitrarily punishing democratically elected governments, he said.

Semjén called it unjust that the Commission fails to take steps when certain European member states violate the European treaties, then launches “politically motivated procedures” against the Polish government.

This is a typical case of double standards. What the European Commission is doing now runs totally counter to European values, he said.

“The Polish-Hungarian friendship and the Hungarian government’s commitment to treaties obliges us to step up against the Commission’s move in all forums,” Semjén said.

Asked by MTI if this could mean that Hungary would veto the proposed decision against Poland, the deputy prime minister said yes.

Commenting on the EC decision, Fidesz press chief Balázs Hídvéghi called the EC decision a proof for Brussels’ efforts to punish the countries that oppose the settlement of migrants in Europe and the mandatory resettlement quota scheme. Hungary rejects the EU’s way of using legal procedures for exerting political pressure, he said adding that Hungary will defend Poland and stand by the will of the Hungarian people who have refused the “Soros plan”.

Source: MTI