24 December 2021
Removing the Cement from Hungary´s Constitutional Edifice
It seems to me that we are asking two questions: First, is Hungary´s constitutional system so damaged that it no longer reflects the core tenets of democratic constitutionalism? My short answer is, yes, but the case needs to be made comprehensively. The second questions is: Could the current constitution be repaired although it is set-up to impede repair? My short answer is: It depends on the post-election context and we should not jump too easily to leave the current legal framework. Continue reading >>
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13 May 2021
WEBINAR 2: “Democracy and Disruption”
How has democracy been impacted by over a year of pandemic response and emergency? How have states ensured the democratic accountability of their actions in response to the global health emergency? What lessons can be learned for now, and for the future? This panel examines democratic practices, and highlights the best – and most concerning – developments. Continue reading >>
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24 May 2020
The Rule of Law Stress Test: EU Member States’ Responses to COVID-19
By mid-March, all EU member states were in a state of emergency, whether they officially declared one or not. Across the EU many human rights were severely restricted, particularly the right to free movement. Not every state of emergency is the same, however. Some exceed what is foreseen in international human rights law. Continue reading >>
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28 March 2020
Bitte keine Alternativlosigkeit
Ein Gespenst geht wieder um in Deutschland: Die Alternativlosigkeit. Auch im Notstand regiert der Sachzwang. Diese Haltung widerspricht fundamental dem nun oft zitierten Wort Carl Schmitts, dass souverän sei, wer über den Ausnahmezustand entscheidet. Es ist eigentlich auch das Gegenteil der vielbeschworenen „Stunde der Exekutive“. Wo es nur Sachzwang ohne Alternativen gibt, kann man das Regieren dem Verwaltungsapparat oder den Experten überlassen. Beide Pole der Debatte sind fatal, weil sie undemokratisch sind. Continue reading >>12 December 2019
History with a Future? The Relevance of the 1989 Round Table Experience for Today
The experience of the Central European round tables has no specific relevance today, but it may be significant in the future. Not in a direct way of copying them and it would be unwise to frame any future political consultation as a being inspired by the 1989 round tables. Yet, if we look at the round tables’ essence, negotiating a peaceful transition with an outgoing power, charting a course between legality and legitimacy, the round tables can tell us something of remaining relevance. Continue reading >>
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15 November 2019