Szájer told journalists yesterday (8 February) the changes would be voted on in the Hungarian parliament – which Fidesz controls by a two-thirds majority – "within weeks." The areas concerned include the independence of the central bank, the retirement age of judges and data protection.
The Commission had launched three infringement procedures against Hungary and gave the government until 17 February to say how it will bring its constitution and legislation in line with European law. Szájer said he expected an agreement between the Hungarian government and the Commission on this "very soon".
"For the sake of peace, probably we'll be even adopting the mistakes that have been proposed to us [by the Commission]," Szájer said.
Hungary is expected to back down on laws allowing the prime minister to nominate the replacement of the head of the country's data protection authority and an option to allow the merger of the central bank with the financial supervisory authority.
Szájer insisted that Fidesz remains a "pro-European party" despite the recurring conflicts with MEPs and Commission officials in Brussels (see background). Fidesz is affiliated with the European People's Party in the European Parliament.
Holding firm on central bank
Szájer said Hungary will oppose the Commission on two issues regarding the central bank. It will reject the removal of a clause capping the salary of the bank's governor and will maintain that its officials must swear a loyalty oath to the country.
He suggested that the Commission was likely to lose out in the eyes of public opinion if it is perceived to be backing bankers' pay even as austerity bites across Europe.
Szájer said, however, that Hungary would be willing to abandon a law allowing Hungarian government officials to attend meetings of the central bank's monetary policy committee, a move seen as interfering with its independence.
'No conflict of interest' with judiciary
On the judiciary, Szájer said a clause lowering the mandatory retirement age of judges to 62 would be revised. Critics fear that the lower retirement age would allow for the systematic promotion of judges sympathetic to Fidesz.
The change allows for exceptions to the retirement rule, to be approved on a case-by-case basis by the new National Judicial Office, which oversees the administration of the courts.
Tünde Handó, Szájer's wife, was chosen by the Hungarian parliament last month to head the Judicial Office. The MEP insisted there was no conflict of interest. "I see no legal or ethical problems at all," he said.
When Handó took office, Szájer resigned from party political positions in Hungary to avoid what he called "even the appearance" of political influence over the judiciary.
He remains a member of Fidesz in the European Parliament and is a vice-chair of the European People's Party, the most powerful EU political group.
COMMENTS
I think these measurements are far not enough to ensure the strict separation of the three powers in Hungary. What about the power of the Judicial Office headed by Szájer's wife? What about the media law or the Club radio. As we now the licence of the radio was extended by two months, which is very strange. There is a fear that after the IMF agreement it will be terminated.
I think Fidesz won't change its policy it is just a change in their communication.
09 February 2012. In EU Parliament is not democracy. What a shame! Hands off Hungary!!!!
@endreffy: Indeed, the EU should take their hands of Hungary and not spend any eurocent to save a dictator's ass.
You don't have to worry, because Orban is God and will take care of all his supporters.
FYI: When the wall came down, Hungary was the "best of class". Now, 2 decades later, Orbanistan is the shame of Europe.
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