Socialists say government’s anti-terror bill ‘PR governing’

Budapest, March 25 (MTI) – The package of counter terrorism-related constitutional amendments announced by the government is nothing more than a case of “PR governing”, the leader of the Socialist Party said on Friday.

József Tóbiás told a press conference that there was no need for the government to amend the constitution over the increased threat of terrorism, arguing that the laws currently in place are sufficient to guarantee public security.

“What is the true purpose of a proposal that would allow the government to listen in on citizens’ telephone conversations? Are we going to look for terrorists amongst ourselves or are we finally going to admit that these tragic occurrences can only be prevented through Europe-wide cooperation?” he said.

Tóbiás said Hungary’s counter-terrorism force was incapable of preventing or dealing with the aftermath of terrorist attacks without collaborating with European counterparts.

Interior Minister Sándor Pintér announced on Thursday that the government will submit to parliament a proposal on a package of anti-terrorism measures, including amendments to the constitution and related cardinal laws. Among others, the bill would set up a counter-terrorism information centre, make it easier for law enforcement to track the flow of money among terror suspects by monitoring their bank accounts and require telecommunications service providers to cooperate with the police and the Special Service for National Security in decrypting communications devices seized by law enforcement.

On another subject, the Socialist leader criticised the government’s education policy and voiced his support for the hour-long teacher protest announced for March 30. He announced that his party will propose to parliament an amendment to Hungary’s strike law that would create a new “solidarity strike” category.

Photo: MTI

Source: http://mtva.hu/hu/hungary-matters