Fidesz’ new house rules for the parliament continued the crackdown on the media’s access to parliamentary procedures. This time they have truly gone too far.

There have always been a push to keep the press out and the house speaker, Fidesz’ Mustachioed Moral Menace, had come up with a string of complicated rules to block independent media access and punishments for unruly reporters in parliament. (Unruly means not acting like a feudal vassal and not bowing deeply to MPs.)

After the catastrophic municipal elections in October Fidesz is trying to come up with new rules to try and keep the opposition away from power. Among the new house rules, a special corner was dedicated to pushing out the press.

Journalists can only stand in that cordoned-off area in the middle, waiting for MPs to approach them. No access to parliamentary sessions, let alone approaching politicians with questions. Photo: Index.hu

If we want to split hairs, they are not completely shunned from the parliament building. They are allowed to stand (quietly) in this 2×2 area, far from any MP, passively waiting if an MP would want to approach them and tell them something.

Once again, that’s the area. 

Journalists are not allowed approach an MP, let alone pursuing him if the doesn’t want to talk. No yelling after Holy MP either.

Journalists have to wait in this cordoned-off area and wait for MPs to approach them in case they want to let something off their chests. Journalists cannot approach them or ask proactively. And if they ask a question, it can only be about three things: the MPs work, his status, and public events at the parliament Photo:: index.hu

Journalists can only stand in that cordoned-off area, waiting for MPs to approach them. No access to parliamentary sessions, let alone approaching politicians with questions. Making an interview is technically impossible in such a tiny space.

And if an MP voluntarily approaches journalists standing there, the journalist can only ask about three things: the MP’s work, his status, and public events in the parliament.

Immunity from press, here we come!

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