Hungary thanks Poland for 'defending democracy'

Secretary of state in the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Zsolt Nemeth, has suggested that the Parliament in Budapest adopt a decree expressing gratitude to the leaders of both countries.

He said that “Hungary, Hungarian democracy and the nation’s sovereignty were recently the target of serious and unjustified attacks” and ‘the leaders of Poland and Lithuania acted in Hungary’s defence’.

He added that Warsaw and Vilnius understand perfectly well how difficult it is to carry out radical reforms and at the same time eliminate post-communist links with the past.

The European Commission has refused to continue talks on a multi-billion finance backstop package until the Fidesz-led government under Prime Minister Viktor Orban amends measures contained in the new Hungarian constitution.

The EC has criticised a cap on central bankers' salaries and an oath which the bank's leaders must take under the country's new constitution. Concern has also been expressed over what many regard as new draconian media laws.

Addressing a press conference on 18 January, however, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that some opinions relating to the situation in Hungary are exaggerated or unjust, adding that Hungary represents democratic standards at a European level.

The Lithuanian Parliament last month adopted a draft resolution expressing support for Hungary’s new constitution.

The EC has given Hungary till Friday to come up with a compromise deal on the new constitution.

“We have a chance for good agreements,” the country’s prime minister, Viktor Orban, said yesterday. We have to fight, but with a level head and with an aim of reaching an agreement.” (mk/pg)