Zoltán Kovács, Minister of State for Communication at the Ministry of Public Administration and Justice, said at a ministry press conference that specialists from the European Commission and the Hungarian government have reached an agreement today in connection with the amendments to the Hungarian media legislation proposed in response to questions raised last December by the Vice-president of the European Commission.
As previously agreed, the group of specialists who took part in discussions with media specialists from the European Commission on Monday have sent their letter of reply.
In his visit to the Nógrád County Government Office, the Minister of Public Administration and Justice underlined the need to restructure regional public administration. Tibor Navracsics – who was inspecting the government office, and who also took part in a staff meeting – went on to say that there is a consensus among specialists in the field of public administration that the restructuring process is needed.
Zoltán Kovács, Minister of State for Government Communication, announced on Monday that the Government had replied to the letter written in connection with the media legislation by Neelie Kroes, the European Commission Vice-President, and to the three observations she made on the legislation’s provisions related to EU harmonisation of laws.
The reply of Dr. Tibor Navracsics to the Vice President of the European Commission.
Act CLXXXV of 2010.
Reply to the criticisms expressed by the international media against the Media Act.
Criticism 1: The proposed levying of high fines may create the opportunity for the government to exert pressure on Hungarian media. The proposed legislation would allow sanctioning of the heads of the outlets violating the law (head or editor-in-chief of the publisher) as well. The National Radio and Television Commission (ORTT) also applied the sanctions of fines and temporary suspension of broadcasting - it did not, however, terminate the broadcasting right of outlets. Why was this drastic step needed?
It is indispensable for Hungary's renewal that corruption is recognized as a common enemy. In recent years, unpunished and systemic corruption and its toleration has had a major role in the development of the country's financial and economic situation, and in the degradation of everyday moral standards and trust in society. The government which came to power in May is committed to raising the level of trust in the state, and it will ensure responsible management of national assets and public funds, the exposure of corruption, and the prosecution of those found guilty of criminal malpractice.