#Hungary: Widespread outrage at Orbán’s latest assault on liberal values #IStandWithCEU #aCEUvalvagyok

Today (4 April) the Hungarian parliament will vote on legislation aimed at closing one of its most prestigious universities, the Central European University (CEU). The urgent procedure used meant that debate or discussion was not allowed, despite large demonstrations against the measures over the weekend. This is how an ‘illiberal democracy’ works and why Orbán is a problem that the European People’s Party will finally have to confront.

Orbán’s latest move might finally result in action. There is widespread outrage.

S&D Group president Gianni Pittella said: “After the attack on the media autonomy, now Orbán is trying to silence another outstanding symbol of the freedom of thought and expression in Hungary: The Central European University. This is completely unacceptable and reinforces our concerns over the decline of democracy in Hungary under Orbán.

“It is an outrage that Fidesz and Orbán are still members of the European People’s Party (EPP) family. I wonder what else should happen in Hungary before someone in the EPP wakes up and finds the courage to finally say something over the worrying situation in Hungary.

István Ujhelyi MEP, head of the Hungarian delegation in the S&D Group, added: “What is happening now to the Central European University is more than a mere threat or an act of political vengeance. It is another step towards unbridled authoritarianism akin to that of Erdoğan or Putin, where independent institutions are shut down overnight. This is an act of cowardice, a disgraceful action that brings Orbán’s illiberal regime to a new, darker chapter.

“The transformation of a young democracy into illiberal authoritarianism is happening right under our nose, here in Europe. Whoever remains silent, whoever does not stand up for our shared values loses the right to position himself as a guardian of the democratic rights our union is built upon.”

The ALDE Group are calling on the European Commission – and in particular, the Hungarian Commissioner Navracsis with responsibility for education - to speak out against the new conditions the government wishes to impose. In particular, they want the European Commission to safeguard academic freedom, quality education and a pluralist society, values that are enshrined in the EU treaties and Charter of Fundamental Rights.

So far, Commissioner Navracsics has only replied to Index.hu – one of the last vestiges of a free and independent media in Hungary saying: “The Central European University is one of the most important universities not only in Hungary, but in the European Higher Education Area. That's why I think it is important that after the correction of possible irregularities, it should be able to operate in Budapest undisturbed.” This rather timid response can be expected from a commissioner handpicked for the role by Viktor Orbán.

It wasn’t just rival political parties who are outraged at Orbán’s latest moves. The US State Department has also weighed in to the debate:

“The United States is concerned about legislation proposed by the Government of Hungary on March 28th that imposes new, targeted, and onerous regulatory requirements on foreign universities. If adopted, these changes would negatively affect or even lead to the closure of Central European University (CEU) in Budapest.

CEU is a premier academic institution accredited in the United States and Hungary, with staff and students from over 100 countries. It has strengthened Hungary’s influence and leadership in the region through its academic excellence and many contributions to independent, critical thinking.

We urge the Government of Hungary to avoid taking any legislative action that would compromise CEU’s operations or independence.”

Orbán has been flouting the European Union’s values for several years with almost complete impunity. He is unrelentingly critical of the European Union despite the enormous benefits that the EU has delivered to the country. EU funds account for 57% of all inward investment in Hungary – this is much higher percentage than for any other EU country. Hungary needs to address the reasons why it cannot attract private investment, other than recent deals with Russia. There are sound  reasons why liberal democracies have the most successful economies, business does best when it can count on sound and accountable government.

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