Zoltán Gőgös, one of 11 opposition Socialist MPs covered by the house speaker’s ruling, noted that after protesting in support of the Central European University, party lawmakers brought into the chamber and held up banners proclaiming two slogans: “Veto” and “Don’t sign it, Janos” — the latter referring to President János Áder.

Gőgös said the punishment was handed down because the ruling Fidesz party could not “abide the voice of the people in parliament”. He also accused Speaker of Parliament László Kövér of having applied the rules indiscriminately and of failing to follow proper procedures.

He said the European court had form when it came to ruling in favour of people who had been denied their right to free speech. Lawmakers are to vote today on whether to keep in place the speaker’s ruling on docking their Socialist colleagues’ pay.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.