Orbán and the death penalty: Hanging on to a dream
The issue of whether to restore capital punishment should “stay on the agenda”, Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán has said in Pécs. Hungary’s passing a “three-strikes” law and actual life imprisonment had not been sufficient to deter criminals, Orbán said. His words caused quite a controversy and later, when on the phone with European Parliament President Martin Schulz, he softened his stance, saying that Hungary actually has no plans to introduce the death penalty.
The issue “is only a matter up for debate”, he told Schulz. Cabinet chief János Lázár said the two men had discussed the matter over the phone. Lázár said Orbán had also told European People’s Party leader Joseph Daul and group leader Manfred Weber that a debate is ongoing in Hungary about the death penalty but European Union laws will be respected.
For the full story, please visit The Budapest Times.
(Photo: epp.eu)
