Lawyer: Drug test proposal not constitutional
The government plan to conduct mandatory drug tests of politicians and journalists would violate some sections of the Hungarian Constitution, according to a lawyer who was asked to analyze the recently proposed legislation, which received key support from the prime minister.
âThe proposal of introducing drug tests for politicians and journalists would violate the most fundamental right to life and human dignity outlined in the Hungarian constitution,â a lawyer requesting to remain anonymous told the Budapest Business Journal.
âOn what basis is the government wishing to invade the private life of a politician or a journalist?â the lawyer asked. âCreating a regulation like this can generate crucial constitutional issues, and clash with fundamental Hungarian law.â
The bill was originally proposed by the mayor of Budapestâs District VIII, who wanted to also require drug testing for children between the age of 18 and 21. It was amended to remove children from the groups being required to take drug tests and then picked up the powerful support of the prime minister.
âThe drug mafia is growing continuously and is threatening our entire society. It needs to be clarified who stands where,â Prime Minister Viktor OrbĂĄn was reported as saying on December 12. âEmployees of public trust can expect to be subject to annual drug tests.â
âThis is wrong point of view, I believe.â the lawyer interviewed by BBJ said. âSaying that those who are not with me are evidently against me makes no sense. There is no such correlation.â
The lawyer added that he is an advocate of fighting against war. âI do agree that the issue of drug abuse needs to be addressed but I believe there are other ways to overcome this problem,â he said, adding, that âFor example placing a greater emphasis on drug prevention might be a better ideaâ.
What makes the whole issue worrying according to the lawyer, is that the government is picking on certain groups. âIf they talk about the groups of politicians and journalists today, it might be a fair question to pose who is next? It is a very serious issue to pick on a social group/layer and enforce them to participate in such an invasive test. The test is normal for someone who is planning to work in public security. They know when they enter what they are in line for,â the lawyer concluded.
ADVERTISEMENT
Hungary Agricultural Output Value Grows by 6.5%
Hungarian-American Business Chamber Established in Chicago
Number of Registered Jobseekers Down 3% in November
Mulled Version of Belle-Vue Kriek Makes Debut at Advent Fair
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.
