Orban Using Coronavirus Crisis to Cement Power, Critics Say

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A draft bill submitted to parliament on Friday would make it quick and easy for Orban to dismantle democratic checks and balances — and for an indefinite period, the critics say.

Hungary declared a state of emergency due to coronavirus on March 11, giving the government special powers such as sealing borders and shutting down schools, deploying military advisers to strategic companies and closing restaurants and cafes after 3 p.m.

Most European governments have taken similarly draconian steps. Some have gone further, imposing curfews and putting troops on the streets. But analysts say few leaders have understood the political opportunities afforded by the crisis as well as Orban.

According to the Hungarian constitution, the government can declare a state of emergency for 15 days and any extension has to be approved by parliament.

But Orban's justice minister, Judit Varga, submitted a draft bill on Friday urging parties to prolong emergency measures for as long as the government deems necessary. Critics say this hands Orban a blank cheque to rule as he likes.

Human rights watchdogs Amnesty International and the Helsinki Committee say the move would sideline parliament and concentrate power in the prime minister's hands, with no time limit. It would be up to the government to decide when the crisis is over — and when to restore parliament's legislative and oversight functions. 

"Now it is time for national unity and not for party political fights," Orban told parliament on Monday as he sought to fast-track the bill, which requires a four-fifth majority to pass (meaning the government needs votes from the opposition).

Now it is time for national unity and...

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