Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The European Commission has launched legal challenges against Hungary's new constitution amid concerns that the former Soviet-bloc country may be slipping back into authoritarianism.
The EU executive is concerned that aspects of the constitution violate EU laws on the independence of the national central bank, among other issues. It has requested more information from Viktor Orban's government on independence of the judiciary. "Hungary is a key member of the European family and we do not want a shadow of a doubt on the respect for democratic principles and values," said the Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.
Mr Orban has been under fire from the European Parliament for imposing government control over institutions whose independence is protected by EU treaties. Beside the central bank law, which gives the government a much larger role in naming top bank officials, the EU is objecting to the forced early retirement of hundreds of judges.
Budapest has until 17 February to respond to three formal letters, after which the Commission will analyse the responses. If Hungary ignores further requests for changes, the Commission can take it to the European Court of Justice and levy fines.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments