Brussels: The president of the European Commission has broken her silence over a coronavirus emergency law in Hungary, admitting to concerns that it hands Viktor Orbán, its authoritarian leader, sweeping new powers.

Until now, Ursula von der Leyen had avoided singling out Hungary for criticism, in favour of urging all EU member states to respect democracy and the rule of law during the pandemic.

Concerned: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Credit:AP

Thirteen EU nations, including heavyweights France and Germany, issued a joint statement on Wednesday that - without explicitly naming Hungary - said they were "deeply concerned about the risk of violations of the principles of rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights arising from the adoption of certain emergency measures".

At a news conference on Thursday, Mrs von der Leyen said: "I am concerned that certain measures go too far and I'm particularly concerned with the situation in Hungary."