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'State of Emergency' in Hungary Prolonged, Police Given New Powers Against Drug Users

• 30 Apr 2025 7:19 AM

Parliament on Tuesday adopted a prohibition on producing, abusing, distributing or promoting drugs, with 143 votes in favour, 19 against and 13 abstentions.

The legislation was adopted in line with the government's policy of "zero tolerance for drugs", aimed at completely eliminating drug abuse.

The new legislation "creates the legal environment for more effective efforts against drug trafficking, distribution, and consumption" by tightening law enforcement and regulations governing the protection of minors, among other measures.

Under the new rules, the police will have the power to detain people under the influence of drugs if their behaviour is deemed to be threatening, and doctors will be obliged to report cases in which minors are suspected of drug abuse.

The new rules also introduce more stringent sanctions for crimes committed under the influence of illegal drugs.

The new legislation stipulates that sentences against drug users could be eased without limits if they identify their drug dealers.

MPs also assented to prolonging the government’s state of emergency for another 180 days, from May 18 to Nov 14, with 131 votes for and 45 against.

The war and humanitarian disaster in Ukraine, and their consequences for Hungary in terms of refugees, the economy and energy issues, are the reasons stated for the measure that applies to Hungary's entire territory.

Based on the constitution, the government must terminate the state of emergency if the conditions which justified the declaration no longer exist.

"Since the armed conflict and humanitarian disaster in Ukraine and their consequences in Hungary have not changed in the recent period, the extension of the state of emergency is justified," according to the regulation.

Parliament also promulgated a legal aid agreement between Hungary and Serbia. The agreement replaces another accord made between Hungary and the former Yugoslavia in 1969.

Under the agreement, the two countries will mutually provide legal aid to each other's citizens and ensure communication between authorities of the other country. The agreement also contains rules for language use and regulations concerning the authorisation of documents.
 

Source: 
MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.

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