Opposition LMP calls for ‘much stricter’ measures

The opposition LMP party supports the government’s introduction of a “special legal order”, but calls for “much stricter measures” than the ones the prime minister announced on Tuesday evening, LMP co-leader Erzsébet Schmuck said on Facebook.

Schmuck called Viktor Orbán’s Tuesday address “weak and disappointing”, with his announcements “made too late”. She said her party supported the introduction of a special legal order because fast action is needed, but insisted that the government had “regrettably failed to make rapid responses”. “The government has not made meaningful decisions now and has not even taken the advice of its own epidemiology experts,” Schmuck added.

“We need much stricter measures to avoid an even greater crisis, but the government is hesitating,” Schmuck said.

The epidemic found the government unprepared, and the government is yet to take measures to help those that lose their jobs, “who fight on the frontline of the virus”, pensioners, and parents with young children. Moreover, the government “is keeping teachers, parents and schoolchildren in a state of uncertainty”, she said.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Tuesday evening announced introduction of a “special legal order” and restrictive measures including a curfew between midnight and 5am and the closure of nightclubs. Under the new restrictions, parking will be made free of charge once again with a view to reducing crowds on public transport.

The prime minister said sporting events, cinemas and theatres will have to restrict audiences to using every third seat, and face masks must be worn. The authorities will inspect all events and fine transgressors. Venues that fail to observe the rules will be shut down immediately, he added.

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