Free Christmas for all? Hungary approves referendum proposal for 24 December holiday
The Hungarian National Election Committee (Nemzeti Választási Bizottság, NVB) has approved a referendum proposal submitted by the Trade Union of Commercial Employees that seeks to designate 24 December as a public holiday. This step marks significant progress in the union’s efforts to expand recognised holidays in Hungary.
In its Wednesday session, the National Election Committee (NVB) validated a referendum initiative that would make 24 December an official public holiday. The proposal for certification was put forward by the Trade Union of Commercial Employees.
24 December might be approved as a public holiday
Currently, Hungarian law recognises the following as public holidays: 1 January, 15 March, Good Friday, Easter Monday, 1 May, Whit Monday, 20 August, 23 October, 1 November, and 25-26 December, 24.hu writes. The proposed referendum question asks: “Do you agree that starting from the calendar year 2025, 24 December should be designated as a public holiday?”
During the NVB’s meeting on Wednesday, the committee approved the proposed referendum question with a 10-2 vote, determining that it met the requirements outlined in the constitution and the law governing referendum initiatives. This decision is not yet legally binding, as an appeal can be filed with the Curia within 15 days.
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Why not put forward a referendum to have paid Fridays off every week of the year and a thirteenth month of pay from all employers? It would be really popular. Other than someone who owns a business who votes against an extra paid day off? How much will the government pay to conduct this survey and who is getting the contract to do it dipping his/her hand in the public purse for accomplishing nothing of value.