Hungary’s parliament passes controversial new constitution
Lawmakers from Hungary’s governing majority have approved a controversial new constitution amid a boycott by the opposition. Critics fear a ban on abortion and discrimination against homosexuals and non-Christians.
With a two-thirds majority in parliament, Hungary’s ruling center-right party effortlessly pushed through a controversial new constitution Monday that the opposition deems an attack on democracy and citizens’ rights.
While the far-right Jobbik party voted against the text, the opposition Socialists and left-wing green LMP party realized their voice was powerless against that of Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party and boycotted the vote altogether.
Hungary’s 386-seat parliament adopted the controversial new constitution on Monday, with 262 votes in favor, 44 against and one member abstaining.
After thousands of Hungarians marched in protest to the new constitution over the weekend, demonstrations continued during the vote with a flash mob organizing near parliament, where a giant Pac-Man figure in Fidesz’s orange devoured a sign representing the rule of law. Socialists planned a “Walk for Hungarian Democracy” near parliament.