Hungarian lawmakers propose to restrict the power of the European Parliament
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Hungarian lawmakers on Tuesday passed a resolution calling for limiting the power of the European Union parliament, arguing that it has driven democracy in Europe into a “dead end.”
The resolution, adopted by members of Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party, calls for giving national parliaments the ability to veto any legislation proposed at EU level, thereby reducing the European Parliament’s legislative power.
It also stipulates that EU lawmakers should be appointed by national parliaments instead of being elected by those elected by voters in their respective countries, as is currently the case.
“European democracy must emerge from the impasse into which the European Parliament has dragged it,” reads the resolution. “The European Union must change, because it is not prepared for the challenges of our time.”
Hungary’s parliament approved the resolution as the EU continues to withhold billions in stimulus and credit funds from Hungary over concerns that its right-wing government has failed to uphold rule of law standards or implement implement sufficient anti-corruption measures.
The government in Budapest has in recent weeks taken a more conciliatory approach to demands from EU headquarters in Brussels, seeking access to funds as the Hungarian currency hits record highs against the euro and dollar. The country’s economy is experiencing the highest inflation in nearly 25 years.
However, the resolution to transfer much of the EU’s legislative power to national governments could antagonize EU officials, further hampering Budapest’s efforts to access badly needed funds.
Drafted by senior members of Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s party, himself a fierce critic of the EU, the document says governments and national legislatures must be able to initiate EU legislative procedures. He also calls for a ban on the EU taking on more debt.
In addition, the resolutions state that the goal of fuller European-style integration of members should be deleted from EU treaties and that Europe’s “Christian roots and culture” should be codified in the treated as the basis for European integration.
___
Follow AP’s coverage of the European Union at https://apnews.com/hub/european-union
