“The reason is because the crime was committed before she became a member of Parliament and the rules are crystal clear” that immunity only covers acts that have taken place during the lawmakers’ mandate, he said. “I would really ask us not to politicize any kind of these issues of lifting immunities,” Weber added.
This situation raised doubts about Salis’ immunity as the center-right group plays a key role in determining majorities. However, a secret ballot allowed some members of the group to defy the ranks and vote to protect Salis from Hungary’s judicial system, which her supporters claim would not provide her with a fair trial in the country governed by an illiberal, nationalist administration.
“This vote is a victory for democracy, rule of law, and antifascism. This decision shows that resistance works,” Salis stated. “It proves that when elected representatives, activists, and citizens defend democratic values together, authoritarian forces can be confronted and defeated.”
Salis denies the Hungarian allegations and describes the charges as politically motivated.
EPP lawmaker Markus Ferber reported a malfunction with his voting machine and requested another vote. However, Parliament President Roberta Metsola declined.
The European People’s Party’s Péter Magyar (the opposition party leader who’s currently leading Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in polling ahead of next year’s election), and the Socialists and Democrats’ Klára Dobrev (leader of the opposition Democratic Coalition), had their immunities protected by a wide margin of votes.
Hungarian authorities sought to prosecute the MEPs on charges of theft and defamation.
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