European Union

Hungarian Constitution under scrutiny

Published on 9 June 2011 at 11:45

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After putting Hungary’s press and media law on the hot seat, the European parliament is now focusing on the country’s new constitution. Although Hungarian daily Népszabadsag devotes its front-page lead to questions raised by the government’s use of European Social Funds “for the campaign against abortion,” the Budapest daily also mentions the June 8 discussion on the constitution in the European Parliament. During the debate, MEPs particularly noted those points of dissention raised by the text, which was largely inspired by the ideals of the ruling conservative party, Fidesz. These include: allowing a greater electoral voice to large famillies; recognition of Catholicism as the national religion; and the absence of measures aimed at protecting homosexuals from discrimination. Although asked to speak by MEPs, Vivian Reding, EU Commissioner for Justice and Internal Affairs declined. She did, however, “reserve the right to verify that the legislation that issues from the Constitution conforms to fundamental EU law”. Before taking any action, Brussels prefers to wait for the conclusions of a delegation of experts from the Venice Commission, an advisory body of the Council of Europe made up of independent legal experts.

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