BUDAPEST – The Hungarian Parliament is set to vote on the 15th amendment to the country’s constitution, introducing a range of controversial reforms, including immigration restrictions, a drug ban, cash protections, and limits on the right to assembly. The vote, scheduled for Monday, has already drawn intense domestic protests and international scrutiny, including concerns from the European Commission.
The amendment, proposed by the ruling Fidesz-KDNP coalition, seeks to enshrine the right to use physical cash, ban drug use, and allow overcrowded municipalities to prohibit further immigration. Additional clauses define gender as a biological attribute and reinforce the dignity of people with disabilities.
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Legal and Social Implications
The amendment also affects emergency laws, the status of public prosecutors, and would allow suspension of Hungarian citizenship for dual nationals. Of particular concern is a related change to the Assembly Act, passed on March 18, which may empower authorities to ban LGBTQ Pride events on the grounds of prioritizing “children’s rights” over freedom of assembly.
If the constitutional change passes Monday, this legislation would go into immediate effect, raising fears of institutionalized discrimination against marginalized communities.
Opposition Protests Escalate
Opposition party Momentum Movement has pledged to physically block ruling party MPs from entering the National Assembly. They previously made headlines for lighting smoke bombs inside Parliament during a protest against the Assembly Act.
Independent MP Ákos Hadházy has led large demonstrations, including mass occupations of Budapest’s bridges, drawing thousands of protesters voicing their opposition to the government’s proposed restrictions.
EU Pushback
The European Commission is currently reviewing the new Assembly Act, questioning its compliance with EU standards on fundamental rights. Michael O’Flaherty, the EU Commissioner for Human Rights, called on Speaker László Kövér to reconsider the legislation, warning that it could criminalize peaceful protests and stigmatize LGBTQ individuals, in direct violation of the principles of the rule of law.
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