Hungary rejects criticism over virus emergency law

Hungary on Thursday denounced criticism of its far-reaching measures against the coronavirus, including allowing the government to rule by decree until further notice, as a "typical example of double standards."

The central European country's parliament approved a bill on Monday giving Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government extraordinary powers in response to the pandemic.

These include rule by decree without parliamentary approval alongside prison terms for those convicted of spreading false information about the epidemic or interfering with efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

On Thursday, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her concern about the situation in Hungary.

She said that while emergency measures may be necessary, they should be strictly proportionate, subject to regular review and "should not last indefinitely."

The Hungarian government's international spokesman Zoltan Kovacs rejected concerns about the new law, insisting that Orban's new powers did not exceed the normal powers of the French president.

He said the legislation was tailored to Hungary's particular needs, adding there had been a "political witch-hunt and coordinated smear campaign in the media" against the country.

Meanwhile, Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes' cabinet also has been granted authority to govern by decree without parliamentary involvement for six months.

French lawmakers have passed a law increasing the prime minister's powers, a move harshly criticized by a magistrates' union and the country's Human Rights League.