Hungary
On February 12, 2026, Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticized the Hungarian government's use of emergency powers to terminate ongoing court cases challenging a municipal tax. This move has raised significant concerns about the erosion of judicial independence and the rule of law in Hungary.
The Hungarian government issued a decree on February 3, 2026, effectively dismissing all lawsuits filed by at least four municipalities, including Budapest, against the central government over aspects of the so-called solidarity contribution tax for 2023-2025. These legal challenges were initiated by municipalities led by opposition parties or independents. The decree overrides all pending court cases and mandates the immediate payment of the taxes in full, irrespective of unresolved legal questions. At least one judge has postponed hearings in response to this decree.
HRW has expressed deep concern that this action sets a dangerous precedent for executive interference with the judiciary. By intervening in pending cases, the government has overridden judicial decisions and positioned itself as a judge in its own dispute, violating core constitutional principles such as the separation of powers and judicial independence. This move undermines confidence that courts can operate free from political interference.
This development is part of a broader pattern of democratic backsliding in Hungary. Over the past year, the government has adopted constitutional and legislative changes restricting peaceful assembly, including banning LGBTQ+ related events, introduced measures threatening civil society organizations, and continued its campaign against independent media and journalists. These actions point to a steady erosion of institutional checks and balances.
The European Union has already raised serious concerns about the rule of law in Hungary, including under the ongoing Article 7 procedure and through setting conditions for EU funding. The solidarity tax decree adds to the growing body of evidence that these concerns remain acute and unresolved. HRW has called on the Hungarian government to revoke the decree, restore access to judicial review for municipalities, and ensure that emergency powers are not misused for political ends. EU institutions and member states are urged to closely scrutinize this move and consider its implications in ongoing rule of law proceedings.
For more detailed information, refer to the original HRW report: Hungary: Blocking Lawsuits Undermines Rule of Law
