Monday

25th Sep 2023

Budapest: 'German interference in Hungarian domestic affairs unacceptable'

  • Budapest: Hungary has told Germany to refrain from commenting on domestic affairs (Photo: EUobserver)

The Hungarian foreign ministry has denounced Germany's criticism of its new constitution as an "unacceptable" interference in domestic affairs and warned Berlin to steer away from such "shocking" statements in the future.

"The comments made by minister of state Hoyer basically evaluated Hungarian domestic political processes," Zsolt Nemeth, the German minister's counterpart said on Thursday.

Read and decide

Join EUobserver today

Become an expert on Europe

Get instant access to all articles — and 20 years of archives. 14-day free trial.

... or subscribe as a group

"The statement is incomprehensible and unacceptable," he continued.

On Tuesday, Hoyer said that the new conservative constitution passed by the Hungarian parliament the day before and a controversial media law approved earlier in the year were "hardly compatible" with European Union values.

"We are observing the developments in Hungary with great attention and some worry," he had said.

The Hungarian foreign ministry said in an email message that it was "shocked" by the German minister's statement and complained that Hoyer had received "detailed information on the constitutional process several times."

"The new constitution does not restrict the rights of minorities or the rule of law, and strengthens the common European values instead of harming them," the ministry missive continued.

The ministry also derided as "particularly unacceptable" references by Germany to its Media Act, saying that it had been amended following complaints by the European Commission. In conceding to Brussels' concerns, Hungary "thereby demonstrated a commitment to common European values."

The Hungarian minister also told Germany not to criticise his country in public again.

Nemeth added that he hoped that as a result of "the intensity and friendly nature of the Hungarian-German diplomatic relations," in the future, "concerns would be dispelled in the course of bilateral relations instead of statements."

Analysis

Von der Leyen overlooks cost-of-living crisis and job quality

Von der Leyen's speech focused on labour and skills shortages, inflation and improving the business environment. Some trade unions, political groups, and organisations felt that there were missed opportunities to outline a roadmap for a social Europe.

Agenda

Spain's EU-language bid and UN summit This WEEK

While the heads of EU institutions are in New York for the UN high level meeting, Spain's EU presidency will try to convince ministers to make Catalan, Basque, and Galician official EU languages.

Latest News

  1. EU trade chief in Beijing warns China of only 'two paths' forward
  2. Why should taxpayers pay for private fishing fleets in third countries?
  3. Women at risk from shoddy EU laws on domestic workers
  4. EU poised to agree on weakened emission rules
  5. China trade tension and migration deal This WEEK
  6. Europe's energy strategy: A tale of competing priorities
  7. Why Greek state workers are protesting new labour law
  8. Gloves off, as Polish ruling party fights for power

Stakeholders' Highlights

  1. International Medical Devices Regulators Forum (IMDRF)Join regulators, industry & healthcare experts at the 24th IMDRF session, September 25-26, Berlin. Register by 20 Sept to join in person or online.
  2. UNOPSUNOPS begins works under EU-funded project to repair schools in Ukraine
  3. Georgia Ministry of Foreign AffairsGeorgia effectively prevents sanctions evasion against Russia – confirm EU, UK, USA
  4. International Medical Devices Regulators Forum (IMDRF)Join regulators & industry experts at the 24th IMDRF session- Berlin September 25-26. Register early for discounted hotel rates
  5. Nordic Council of MinistersGlobal interest in the new Nordic Nutrition Recommendations – here are the speakers for the launch
  6. Nordic Council of Ministers20 June: Launch of the new Nordic Nutrition Recommendations

Join EUobserver

Support quality EU news

Join us