With an overwhelming majority, centre-right Fidesz, far-right Jobbik and most MPs of the Socialist Party (MSZP) have approved a constitutional amendment proposal to cut the number of MPs to 200 from 386 and to create the post of Deputy Prime Minister.

Socialist MPs gave their go-ahead for the proposal despite the fact that their amendment proposals had been rejected.

There are two more proposals on the table to amend the Electoral Law, one made by Fidesz and the other by the Socialists. Fidesz would adjust the electoral system to the smaller parliament, while the opposition party (that was in power for eight years until it suffered a crushing defeat by Fidesz this April) would overhaul the entire election system.

Today’s decision means that Hungary’s Parliament will start operating with 200 MPs as of 2014."

Source: Portfolio Online Financial Journal