The president of the LIBE committee did not consult members when making a statement, according to a letter from MEP Nadine Morano written to the head of the panel. The representative responds to a statement issued by LIBE, in which the president calls on the Commission to examine the emergency law in Hungary. In her letter, Morano distances herself from the president s opinion, and states: "Your position as the president of LIBE does not give you the right to lecture any member state on democracy when you are not aware of the basics."

„I would like to know by what democratic principle you feel empowered to make a statement on behalf of the LIBE Committee when you have not consulted any of its members on the situation in Hungary,” MEP Nadine Morano, a member of LIBE wrote to the president of the committee.

The MEP reacted to a press release posted on the committee s website on 24 March 2020 in which the LIBE expressed its concerns about the voting on the extension of the state of danger and the subsequent modification of the penal code in Hungary s Parliament. In the press release, the president writes that the committee requests the Commission to evaluate whether the proposed bill is in compliance with the EU treaties, emphasizing the responsibility of member states in respecting and protecting shared values.

„Your position as the president of LIBE does not give you the right to lecture any member state on democracy when you are not aware of the basics,” Nadine Morano writes in her letter to the LIBE president.

„I m distancing myself entirely from your comments. At the same time, I request you to correct the press release and highlight that the opinion is that of the president and not the whole committee. This way, you will contribute to the European values, i.e. the respect for democracy, freedom of speech and the diversity of opinions,” the MEP added.