Hungarian Prime Minister To Defend His Government At EU Parliament

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is expected to travel to the French city of Strasbourg on January 18 to defend his government's policies during a European Parliament debate.

Orban's conservative government has come under heavy EU pressure over recently adopted laws which critics say unduly concentrate power in the hands of the government.

On January 16, the European Commission launched infringement proceedings against Hungary over legislation affecting the independence of its central bank, the country's data protection authority and the judiciary.

Anger over the legislation brought tens of thousands of protesters out on the streets of Hungary this month, while the EU and the IMF suspended talks on financial assistance that Hungary needs to remain solvent.

compiled from agency reports