Democracy Defended with Preservation of MEP Ilaria Salis’s Immunity

Brussels: Centre-left opposition Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly Schlein stated on Tuesday that democracy was upheld by maintaining left-wing MEP Ilaria Salis’s parliamentary immunity. This decision prevents Hungarian prosecution for an alleged attack on neo-Nazis and was secured by a narrow one-vote margin. Schlein expressed contentment, indicating that it was acceptable if this crucial vote came from the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) or its Italian counterpart, Forza Italia (FI).

According to Ansa News Agency, Schlein remarked, “I am happy that the principles of the rule of law prevailed today in the European Parliament.” She emphasized that Salis would not have received a just trial in Hungary, highlighting the vote’s significance in safeguarding democratic values.

Schlein further noted the importance of potential support from EPP or FI members, stating, “And if in the secrecy of the ballot box, as it appears, several MEPs from the European People’s Party or Forza Italia voted in favor, that’s a good thing. It means that not everyone accepts being dragged away from the principles of the rule of law by the autocratic propaganda of Orban and his political allies.”