The PES is deeply worried by the news that the Hungarian Prosecutor’s Office interrogated Zita Gurmai, president of PES Women and a member of the Hungarian Parliament. The official reason for this proceeding is with „violently obstructing the authorities” in a protest against Orban. The PES openly challenges that statement.
Orban is deliberately harassing Zita Gurmai and other members of the opposition ahead of the European election campaign, obstructing their right to political protest and their ability to represent their voters. The allegations go two years back and have been only brought up now. Once again, Orban is obstructing democracy and playing into the hands of Vladimir Putin, who has an active policy of interfering in the European elections. The PES stands firmly by Zita Gurmai and other prosecuted members of the opposition in Hungary.