EU deputies have organized a plenary debate on the controversial cardinal laws implementing the new Hungary Constitution.

"The time has come for this Parliament, directly elected and representing the EU citizens, to prove it is capable to send the right political message. This is what hundreds of messages we have received from across Europe asked for" - said Renate Weber.

"Article 7 para 1 must be seen as a normal procedure provided for by our own Treaty to defend EU fundamental principles, values and rights. The infringement procedure started by the Commission is based on some EU directives without touching Article 2 of the Treaty.

Let's be honest: No accession country would be allowed to join the European Union if the situation would be similar to the one in Hungary today", stressed Weber, naming some examples:

"The Parliament has become an annex to the ruling party, which imposes the legislation it wants, not only for now but also for the future; a highly respected Constitutional Court has been transformed into a weightless body.

The independence of the judiciary is under severe threat, as the right to appoint and promote  judges belongs to only one person, the chief of National Judiciary Office, elected for nine years by a two-third majority of the Parliament, which in fact means Fidesz.

The written press is dominated by self-censorship through the huge fines system, the audio-visual media is politically controlled and frequencies are conferred in an arbitrary fashion.

If we add the decisions affecting the economic and financial system we get a picture of a government is doing its best to get absolute power over the entire society".

The European Commission has decided on January 17, 2012 to launch infringement procedures against Hungary on three issues: independence on the National Central Bank, retirement age of judges and prosecutors and independence of the authority for the data protection. The Commission has also requested explanations regarding independence of the judiciary.

The Danish Minister for European Affairs, Nicolai Wammen, present in the EP debate, has stated that the EU Presidency stands behind the EC actions.

The EC President, Jose Manuel Barroso and Hungary's PM, Viktor Orban also took part in the debate.