The government says its proposal to extend the measures would continue to allow it to be flexible in its response to the challenges posed by the pandemic.

If the status of the pandemic allows, the government will initiate lifting the special measures before their expiration, according to the justification of the bill.

István György, the state secretary for regional administration of the Prime Minister’s Office, said in the parliamentary debate that the law would not affect the general election set to be held sometime next spring, adding that referendums could also be held while the measures are in effect.

Lawmakers last extended the special measures in September until Dec. 31. Parliament also voted to extend the moratorium on loan repayments until June 30, 2022.

MTI Photo: Attila Kovács