EU defends commissioner who criticized Hungarian government

European Union officials and Germany came to the defense of EU Commissioner Vera Jourova after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban called for her resignation following criticism of his government policies

European Union officials and Germany came to the defense of an EU commissioner Tuesday after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban called for her resignation because she publicly criticized his government's policies.

Germany's Europe Minister directly addressed Values Commissioner Vera Jourova on Twitter, writing that “the European Union needs your impartial and clear mind." The minister, Michael Roth added: “Thank you for your tireless engagement."

In an interview with German weekly newspaper Der Spiegel on Saturday, Jourova said Hungary under Orban was veering away from Western democracy, especially now than media freedom had come under attack.

“There is hardly any criticism of the government in Hungarian media anymore, so that a large majority of Hungarians may no longer be able to form a free opinion," she told the newspaper. “I fear the people in Hungary could one day discover that their last election was also their last free election.”

“Mr. Orban likes to say he is building an illiberal democracy. I would say he is building a sick democracy,” Jourova said.

In a stinging letter to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday, Orban wrote that Jourova's statements “are not only a direct political attack" against his government but also “a humiliation to Hungary and the Hungarian people."

“Her resignation is indispensable," Orban said.

Commission spokeswoman Dana Spinant said Tuesday that Jourova continued to enjoy von der Leyen's “full trust."

“Our concerns when it comes to the rule of law situation in Hungary are well known. They will be addressed in our rule of law report," which Jourova is scheduled to present Wednesday, Spinant said.

Orban's letter also spawned an outpouring of support for Jourova among EU legislators.