es.euronews.com
Slovakia's Language Law Sparks Tensions with Hungary
A proposed Slovakian law restricting minority languages in public spaces sparks concerns over the rights of the Hungarian minority and reignites tensions between Slovakia and Hungary.
Spanish
United States
PoliticsInternational RelationsHuman Rights ViolationsLawLanguageMinority Rights
Slovakian GovernmentHungarian GovernmentEuFreedom And Solidarity (Sas)Smer
Robert FicoViktor OrbánMartina SimkovicováPeter SzijjártóPeter Ziga
- How does the Slovakian government justify the proposed law?
- The Slovak government defends the law, stating it will strengthen the status of the state language and ensure effective state control. Hungarian officials have expressed concerns but the Slovakian government disputes that the rights of the minority will be affected.
- What are the potential consequences for violating this law?
- The proposed law has sparked concerns about the rights of the Hungarian minority in Slovakia, potentially leading to fines up to \u20ac15,000 for violations.
- What is the main point of the proposed Slovakian language law?
- A proposed Slovakian law would require Slovak to be the primary language on public signs and announcements, banning minority languages in certain public spaces.
- What are the concerns raised by opposition groups and human rights experts about this legislation?
- Opposition lawmakers and human rights experts worry the law is stricter than a 2009 amendment and could harm businesses, reduce competitiveness, and attract EU criticism.
- What is the broader context of this legislation within the relationship between Slovakia and Hungary?
- The differing views on this legislation highlight the ongoing tensions between Slovakia and Hungary regarding the treatment of the Hungarian minority in Slovakia, despite recent improvements in relations due to shared nationalist views between their leaders.