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Heated debate in the EP on Hungary: ‘Authoritarian police state’
On 2 April 2025, the European Parliament held a contentious debate in Strasbourg on Hungary’s recent legislative developments, including the ban on the Budapest Pride march and broader concerns over the rule of law. The debate highlighted deep divisions between Hungary’s government and EU institutions.
Key issues raised
The discussion was prompted by Hungary’s new law prohibiting Pride marches, justified by the government under its controversial 2021 “child protection” legislation. According to Index, critics argue this law violates fundamental EU values, such as freedom of assembly and expression. Additionally, a proposed Hungarian law that could strip MEPs of their mandates for incomplete asset declarations added fuel to the debate.
Adam Szlapka, representing Poland’s EU Council presidency, emphasised that the rule of law and fundamental rights are core European values. He announced that Hungary’s rule-of-law situation would be reviewed twice during Poland’s presidency, including under Article 7 procedures.
Michael McGrath, the European Commissioner for Democracy and Rule of Law, criticised Hungary’s use of the “child protection” law to restrict peaceful assemblies. He argued that such measures are incompatible with EU standards and highlighted ongoing challenges faced by civil society and media in Hungary.
Divisive statements
Several MEPs condemned Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government. Tineke Strik of the Greens called Hungary an “authoritarian police state,” accusing it of using technology to suppress dissent. Social Democrat Csaba Molnár described the Pride ban as “vile homophobia” disguised as child protection, while Greek MEP Konstantinos Arvanitis called for cutting EU funds to Hungary over its alleged democratic backsliding.
In contrast, Hungarian Fidesz MEP Tamás Deutsch dismissed the debate as a “political circus.” He defended Hungary’s policies as protecting children and national sovereignty, claiming they reflect the will of Hungarian citizens. Similarly, Jacek Ozdoba from Poland’s PiS party supported Hungary’s stance, arguing that it respects parents’ rights to raise their children according to their values.
Calls for action
Several liberal and left-wing MEPs urged stronger measures against Hungary, including suspending its voting rights in the Council. Renew Europe’s Fabienne Keller invited colleagues to participate in Budapest’s banned Pride march as an act of solidarity.
While Hungarian officials framed their actions as defending sovereignty and traditional values, many MEPs viewed them as direct violations of shared European principles.
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What police state. EP members take stupid pill every morning.
While in France they put political rivals in jail and prevent them running in elections. Which is genuinely frightening, whatever side of the debate you are on.
When you embezzle millions of euros of taxpayers’ money, you deserve the time in jail and not given the chance to embezzle more money. Its only scary when embezzlement becomes the norm and there are no consequences, like its happening in Hungary.
Sovjet Union II run by a relatively decent looking lady. Hungary is falling out of line…. Hunger Games in real life!!
Hungary will pay a HEFTY price.
Hungary taken DELIVERED there by the name Victor Mihaly. Orban – “into the abyss, of a new dark age”.
Hungary is authoritarian. And a police state. Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight…
Because it’s in Hungary than election candidates who pose a threat of winning the election against the established globalist-socialist-fascist puppets get convicted of trumped-up charges and banned from running for office. Right?
Oh no, wait. That’s in Romania. And France.
And it’s in Hungary that riot cops will storm your home in a dawn raid because you wrote something on Facebook against mass illegal migration or “gender” indoctrination and abuse of children.
Oh no, wait. That’s in Sweden. And Germany. And Great Britain. And Austria. And Ireland. And Spain.
I wish I could say these people are idiots. But they are not. They know exactly what they are doing. They are gaslighting the public and un-personing those who don’t fall for their insidious propaganda (which exceeds any Potemkin village Ceausescu ever came up with!).
Mr Steiner said it al , except they are same people pushing boots on the ground in Ukraine- the EU is a off shoot of the Biden regime and will have to fund this crap now that USAID is no longer
I am still waiting to hear the data behind police state. Having Budapest invaded by badly behaved individuals that create traffic jams and leave tons of garbage behind should not be allowed in a civilized country. When LGBT member start acting like civilized human being and put their garbage in bins like normal Hungarians, then the parade could be reconsidered.
Having LGBT parade is tantamount of allowing all beast from the zoo run around the streets of the city.