MEP Gyöngyösi: If you reject the rule of law, you reject Europe

In the past few days, Spain has seen a massive wave of street protests in response to the public outcry triggered by the politically motivated amnesty for Catalan separatists, which contradicts the very principle that (ideally) forms the foundation of European democracy: the rule of law.

The first and most significant difference is what immediately sets authoritarianism apart from the rule of law: the former is characterized by an authoritarian, politically driven legislation and law interpretation, which allows the privileged to be exempted from the effects of the law from time to time.

In contrast, a state with a firm rule of law is characterized by a universal application of the legal regulations where all citizens, including politicians and cabinet ministers, are required to abide by the same law.

It comes as no surprise that the Orbán government’s use of power has been widely criticized in Europe, because its interpretation of the law is eerily similar to that of dictatorships: even though the country has laws, they do not apply to certain people, while the legal codes and even the constitution are typically amended on a personalized and political basis, without social debate or agreement.

Just to show you that these methods are not exclusively used by the populist right, let me cite the example of Spain, where the Socialist Pedro Sánchez thought his own political interests can override Spain’s rule of law. In order to secure the majority for his government, he wished to make a deal with the Catalan separatists who, back in 2017, unilaterally organized a referendum on the region’s independence, thus gravely violating Spain’s constitution and laws. In an effort to accomplish his goal, Sánchez now wishes to grant amnesty to the Catalan politicians who were convicted by a final court judgement. He intends to do so in a personalized, politically motivated manner.

I have expressed my views on the question of Catalan independence several times. I have stated that Catalonia, as an autonomous region, has all the rights and licences that are necessary for the Catalan people to preserve their identity. 

They have their own education, police, self-governance in internal affairs – considering all that, it’s hard to understand what may have motivated Catalan separatists to hold a referendum, other than subversion and far-left rampage.

Furthermore, I also believe that any political disputes and historical differences of opinion between Madrid and Barcelona should primarily be settled by Madrid and Barcelona, just as Spanish citizens should have the right to decide what kind of laws they want to adopt in their country and what sort of sanctions should be applied for certain acts.

However, the rule of law should never be a matter of dispute in Europe, but Pedro Sánchez’ action violates and rejects this principle. And if you reject the principle, you reject European values.

Disclaimer: the sole liability for the opinions stated rests with the author(s). These opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Parliament.