Story perspectives

Orban's Emergency Powers Spark Controversy Ahead of Elections

2/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Viktor Orban, Hungary's prime minister, used emergency powers to terminate a lawsuit over a disputed "solidarity tax" and to order its collection.
Budapest mayor Gergely Karacsony condemned the move as an attack on judicial independence.
The Budapest Municipal Court did not comment, but said judges decide based on their oaths.
The dispute has downgraded Budapest's credit rating.
Parliamentary elections are set for April 12 amid EU rule-of-law tensions.

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Story summary

Viktor Orban, Hungary's prime minister, used emergency powers to terminate a lawsuit over a disputed "solidarity tax" and to order its collection.
Budapest mayor Gergely Karacsony condemned the move as an attack on judicial independence.
The Budapest Municipal Court did not comment, but said judges decide based on their oaths.
The dispute has downgraded Budapest's credit rating.
Parliamentary elections are set for April 12 amid EU rule-of-law tensions.