The European Commission on July 15 announced that it will sue Hungary in the EU’s Court of Justice over an anti-LGBT law and Hungary’s refusal to allow a dissident radio station to broadcast. Hungary adopted a law in June 2021 that prevents companies from featuring LGBTQ couples in educational or advertising content intended for children. The legislation was swiftly condemned by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who later initiated infringement proceedings against Hungary. The Commission’s case also concerns Hungary’s refusal to renew broadcaster Klubradio‘s license, taking them off the air. Infringement proceedings were also launched against Hungary in that matter. The Commission charges that “the decisions of the Hungarian Media Council to refuse renewal of Klubradio’s rights were disproportionate and non-transparent and thus in breach of EU law.” Klubradio is highly critical of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government. Hungary is being sued on the basis of violating the EU’s Audiovisual Media Services Directive, e-Commerce Directive and the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
From Jurist, July 15. Used with permission.
Photo: Pixabay
Orban goes ‘pure Nazi’
Viktor Orban is facing international condemnation after making remarks on race and multiculturalism that were slammed by his longtime aide. Zsuzsa Hegedus, who served as an adviser to Orban for two decades, quit July 26 over what she called Orban’s “illiberal turn,” describing his comments in Romania three days earlier as a “pure Nazi text worthy of Goebbels,” according to her resignation letter published by Hungarian outlet HVG.
Orban was also denounced by the International Auschwitz Committee over comments in the same speech that were interpreted as a joke about the Nazi gas chambers. Discussing the European Commission’s agreed target for its 27 member states to reduce their gas demand by 15% by next March, Orban said: “I do not see how it will be enforced—although, as I understand it, the past shows us German know-how on that.” (CNN)