But not a strong press. Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán in parliament for the start of Hungary's EU presidency, January 6, Budapest

Play it smart with Hungary

As Hungary takes the helm of the EU’s rotating presidency, many fear its government is taking an anti-democratic turn. But is there much the European Union can do about it? wonders The Economist.

Published on 7 January 2011 at 11:05
But not a strong press. Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán in parliament for the start of Hungary's EU presidency, January 6, Budapest

The rotating presidency of the European Union is, mercifully, a much-diminished affair, as a result of the Lisbon treaty. Gone are the days when countries chairing EU meetings for six months would try to outdo each other with lavish events, fine cuisine and communiqués praising their pet obsessions. Summits are now more humdrum, held in Brussels and chaired by a permanent president, currently Herman Van Rompuy.

Belgium’s just-concluded presidency was exemplary in its understated running of Europe’s ministerial business, helped by the absence of a proper government since June.Hungary’s turn, which began on January 1st,was never going to be as modest. On the taxiway of Budapest airport, a large banner celebrates the happy occasion. The presidency offers a small, former communist state a chance to promote itself. Viktor Orban, Hungary’s pugnacious prime minister, was keen to seize his moment of fame.

Little did Mr Orban know that he would be so roundly jeered when he stepped on to the stage. Forget his European aims, such as reform of the euro, enhanced energy security and a Europe-wide programme for the integration of Romanies; the spotlight now shines on Mr Orban’s domestic skulduggery. On December 21st his Fidesz party passed the second part of contentious legislation placing broadcast, print and online media under the supervision of a new authority with power to impose large fines for ill-defined offences such as breaching “human dignity”. All the authority’s members were nominated by Fidesz, which enjoys a two-thirds parliamentary majority.

Fidesz says it has no wish to curb press freedom, citing its history of resistance to Soviet communism. Yet opposition newspapers have published blank front pages in protest. The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe has expressed alarm. Germany, France and Britain have voiced concern. Luxembourg’s foreign minister, Jean Asselborn, says the affair “raises the question whether such a country is worthy of leading the EU”. One German newspaper called Hungary a Führerstaat. Read full article in The Economist...

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