Government plans new type of state of emergency
Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party called a five-party negotiation this afternoon on their proposal to let the government declare a “state of terror emergency”, which would apparently allow for a curfew, stricter domestic surveillance, control of the media and other unusual security measures, online daily origo.hu reported.
MP Gergely Gulyás announces the proposal at a press conference today. (Photo: MTI/Noémi Bruzák)
Fidesz MP Gergely Gulyás confirmed following the negotiations that the government is proposing changes to Hungary’s Fundamental Law – or Constitution – to allow for the new type of state of emergency, which he said could be declared for a maximum of two months. Gulyás, the deputy speaker of the Parliament, reportedly said he is confident that the proposal will have the two-thirds parliamentary majority required for changes to the Fundamental Law.
Gulyás did not give details on the measure, but origo.hu said it learned before the meeting that the proposal would allow the government to temporarily suspend certain laws during a “state of terror emergency”.
According to the information obtained by origo.hu from a source they would not name, in a “state of terror emergency” the government would be authorized to: limit and influence media coverage, limit the consumption of vehicle fuel and other consumables, reinstate border controls without concern for international treaties, monitor internet and postal traffic, and introduce a curfew. The declared state would be one step away from the currently existing “state of emergency”, which is declared if serious attacks take place endangering the lives of Hungarian citizens, origo.hu added.
No one in the government could officially confirm these specifics.
Gulyás did say that members of the opposition Jobbik and LMP parties were constructive during this afternoon’s meeting, and that the Socialist party did not attend the meeting.
ADVERTISEMENT
Mapei Targets 6% Higher Revenue This Year
Parliament Negates Mandatory Membership in MOK
Magyar Suzuki to Start Dual Training Courses
Budapest Leaders Unveil Plans to Scale Back Traffic on Thoro...
SUPPORT THE BUDAPEST BUSINESS JOURNAL
Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For 27 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.
Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.
