Sargentini report, EP election main topics of ruling Fidesz-KDNP group meeting

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will brief government lawmakers on the European Parliament’s debate on the Sargentini report and on preparations for the 2019 EP election at the joint Fidesz-Christian Democrats parliamentary group Sept. 12-14 meeting in Velence, the daily Magyar Idők said on Wednesday.

Orbán is due to take part in the debate of the report in Strasbourg next Tuesday.

The report states there is a “clear risk of a serious breach by Hungary of the values of the European Union” and it calls for Article 7 to be launched. The EP is scheduled to vote on the report approved in June by the EP’s civil liberties committee on Sept. 12.

Magyar Idők said the government is preparing for the outcome of the report’s approval.

Orbán will discuss the EU’s likely measures and the Hungarian government’s possible responses on Wednesday evening, when the outcome of the EP vote is expected, the daily said.

Meanwhile, Fidesz is looking forward to the 2019 EP election with “cautious optimism”, Magyar Idők said. Although no major changes are expected, Fidesz hopes that anti-migration parties working for “a Europe of nation states” will dominate, the paper said, adding that these parties may coordinate their vote-mobilisation efforts.

On the second day, ministers inaugurated after the April election will brief their party colleagues and they will also discuss tasks related to the upcoming autumn parliamentary cycle.

The third day will be dedicated to reports by longer-serving ministers and to plans regarding the reform of cultural institutions, the career path for public servants and changes in health care and education, the daily said.

Featured image: MTI

Source: MTI