| Hungary faces EU action over divisive constitution To see more go to www.youtube.com Follow us on Facebook (goo.gl or Twitter (www.twitter.com First protesters accuse the government of tyranny, now they have taken to the streets to support the embattled PM. This report explores the constitutional changes that have driven Budapest into chaos. In April 2010, Victor Orban's Fidesz party swept to power, elected on a promise of stability, security and a strengthened economy. However, the party's enormous majority granted them vast legislative power and the ability to unilaterally change the constitution. Since then they have been accused of over-reaching their democratic mandate: "If all Orban's plans are realised, a new system will be created that will not have a single constitutional counterweight". Supporters defend the moves claiming, "the impression our government gives is deceptive, because the system we have is different to the rest of Europe". However, amidst tough austerity measures, and new media laws curtailing political discussion, claims of democratic legitimacy are not entirely convincing. January 2012 |
