PM Hopes To Get Sufficient Support For Planned Amendments
- 5 Oct 2016 9:00 AM
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressed hope that his proposed amendments to the constitution would get the required two-thirds majority in Parliament. The premier said he believed that lawmakers would “move along the right scenario”. He added that a 50% turnout in the referendum would have validated “voters’ voices in themselves,” but at 43% turnout parliament needs “to give an extra push”.
A referendum and a constitutional amendment together offer a stronger position than a referendum alone, he said, adding that he “cannot imagine that Brussels would decide against a majority of 98% of people”.
Lajos Kósa, the head of Fidesz’s parliamentary group, told the same press conference that the government must submit the proposed amendments to parliament by October 10, a debate would be scheduled for October 17 and a vote for November 8.
The amendments may take force by mid-November. Five-party talks will also be held on the issue, he added.
Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.
MTI photo: Szigetváry Zsolt
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