Hungary imposes a state of emergency because of the war in Ukraine

“The world is on the brink of an economic crisis. Hungary must stay out of the conflict in Ukraine and protect the financial security of families,” the prime minister said. Hungary Viktor Orban said in a video broadcast on Facebook on May 24.

“This requires the government to have space to act quickly. Exercising its rights under the Basic Law, the Hungarian government has declared a state of emergency due to hostilities since 0:00 on May 25,” the prime minister said. Orban declared.

He did not specify the measures that would be implemented during the period of the state of emergency, nor when it would end, or said more details would be announced today. The Hungarian Civil Liberties Union group criticized Prime Minister Orban’s decision, saying “the state of emergency has become permanent”.

Earlier, Hungary, a neighboring country with Ukraine, declared a state of emergency regarding Covid-19, scheduled to end on May 31. Just before Prime Minister Orban imposed a new state of emergency related to the war in Ukraine, the Hungarian parliament approved an amended constitution, allowing the government to take this measure.

Orban, who has been Prime Minister of Hungary since 2010, is considered the most pro-Russian leader of the 27 EU member states. He often takes a neutral stance on the war in Ukraine, and at the same time refuses to send Western weapons to the neighboring country in Hungary.

Prime Minister Orban’s government also stated that it opposes any EU sanctions against Russian oil and gas companies for fear of harming national interests. He affirmed that Hungary must stay out of the conflict and firmly do not support the Russian oil ban proposed by the EU.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP)