Hungarian democracy is breaking new legal ground in redefining national sovereignty.Continue reading
The Office for the Protection of Sovereignty criticized the report of the Venice Commission, branding it as biased, riddled with factual errors, and politically motivated. In their statement, they raised concerns about the transparency of the discussions held by the Venice Commission in Budapest regarding the Hungarian Sovereignty Protection Act on February 15 and 16, followed by the publication of their opinion on March 18.
Expressing doubts about the composition of the discussions, the Office questioned the involvement of actors beyond Hungarian state bodies and opposition politicians in forming the Venice Commission’s position.
They also queried the factors taken into account during the process.
The statement asserted that the Venice Commission’s report serves a political agenda, aimed at providing ammunition for various EU bodies, including the European Commission, in their proceedings against Hungary, thereby facilitating political attacks against the country.
Pointing out what they deemed as the most significant factual error in the report, the Office highlighted the assertion that it possesses investigative powers, which is not the case as per the Sovereignty Protection Act. Additionally, they disputed the criticism from the Venice Commission regarding the absence of an appeal mechanism against the Office’s actions, arguing that as a non-public authority, such a mechanism is unnecessary.
It was also argued that the report is biased in questioning Hungarian legal practices, such as the procedure for electing the Head of State, despite its long-standing acceptance.
Moreover, they contested the implication that Hungary’s freedom to establish institutions was being denied.
The Office for the Protection of Sovereignty claimed that the Venice Commission’s objective in challenging the Sovereignty Protection Act is to safeguard Hungary’s ability to protect national sovereignty effectively and to resist foreign attempts at influence.
Via MTI; Featured Image: Pixabay