Wednesday

6th Dec 2023

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Podcast

Coronavirus vs Democracy

  • Hungary's Viktor Orban might be the first - but not the only - one to use coronavirus for a powergrab (Photo: Helena Malikova)

By

Concern is growing that emergency powers deployed to control the coronavirus pandemic will be used to erode democracy and civil rights.

Joelle Grogan, a senior lecturer in law at Middlesex University London, describes the curbs on liberty that may be coming your way — and what can be done so such measures are proportionate and fair.

Read and decide

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Grogan also sounds the alarm about steps that could allow Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban to rule by decree in response to the outbreak.

Author bio

EU Scream is the progressive politics podcast from Brussels. Produced by James Kanter with graphics by Helena Malikova and music by Lara Natale.

You may also follow via @euscreams subscribe via iTunes, Spotify or from the EU Scream website.

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Analysis

Coronavirus: What EU can and can't do

Legal limitations means the European Commission's role when it comes to tackling the Covid-19 pandemic is broadly limited to coordination and support. It is up to member states to work together.

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