Deputy PM rejects “political attack” on Poland

Hungary Journal
December 20, 2017
MTI

Zsolt Semjén (photo: MTI)

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.

“Brussels wants to punish countries, that reject migration”, Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party reacted in a statement. The party accused the European Commission of using legal procedures for putting pressure on member states. The statement reminds, that Poland, like Hungary, is one of the loudest critics of the EU immigration policy, rejects the resettlement of migrants into Europe and the mandatory quota.