Hungary is not merely being criticised due to the legislation on the fight against the coronavirus; there is a political witch-hunt and a coordinated media smear campaign under way, Minister for International Communication and Relations Zoltán Kovács said in a video message posted on Thursday.

The State Secretary said in the past ten years whenever Hungary has chosen a path other than the European Union’s on certain issues, and has adjusted the adopted measures and laws to its own set of needs as well as to the environment in which it exists, domestic and international critics have responded immediately.

He said it is shocking that while we are receiving absolutely appalling images from Western Europe and some countries of Southern Europe about the devastating consequences of the virus, and the omissions committed by the governments and other agencies of those countries, the permanent critics have managed to “single out” Hungary for reproval again.

He recalled that on Thursday President of the Commission Ursula von der Leyen, too, had issued a statement on this matter. This, Mr Kovács added, is a typical example of political double standards as right now Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is not enjoying any more powers or scope for action than the French President under peace-time circumstances.

“We now ask everyone to focus, to concentrate their attention on defence against this threat: the efforts of everyone are needed – at home and abroad,” Mr Kovács said.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)