In early February this year, some shocking news about Hungary´s political situation were revealed. It is no secret that Hungary´s politic actions are often very controversial and have drawn the attention of the European Union on them. As several topic such as independence of juridicy, media and non-governmental organisations have been heavily controlled and prohibited, more and more countries are getting concerned.
The “Klubradio” was Hungary´s last independent radio station. However, its license got suspended on February 14th by the Media Council under prime minister Orban. Now there isn´t any radio station left, which isn´t being controlled by the executive. Not only the members of “Klubradio” but people all over Europe are extremely shocked that they are no longer allowed to express their opinion via radio. The president Andras Arates of Klubradio mentioned that they are going to Hungary´s supreme court to fight for their rights and freedom of speech. The government said that the prohibition was due to breaches of the media law. But in fact, those were handled with a small fine. Nevertheless, it was nothing that would justify this radical decision. The more presumably reason was that the radio often hosted guests which were critical over the government and didn´t share the same opinion. But this isn´t how a democracy works. Having said that it will never be possible to find a solution where everyone is happy, it is important to have a diversity, the freedom of speech.
Since the EU stands for democratic decisions and freedom of speech, many people see that as an alarming sign against democracy and the EU rules. It was said that the EU council has already spoken to the Hungarian parliament to abolish the prohibition of Klubradio. Looking on the other political decisions in the past years it is also noticeable that prime minister Orban wants to gain more and more power and control over the inhabitants of Hungary and drifting away from a democracy. It remains to be seen how the cooperation between this country and the EU will maintain.
Personally, I wouldn´t have thought that a country which borders are that close to Austria, would undermine the freedom of speech. Especially in the 21st century it is a big downgrade in evolution. Therefore, they should intervene and ensure that the freedom of speech remains in Hungary. Otherwise, why is a country allowed to be part of the EU, if it doesn´t stick to the rules of democracy?