Hungary is facing the erosion of parliamentary norms as a new generation of parliamentarians seem unwilling to adhere to house rules, Speaker of Parliament László Kövér said in an interview broadcast on public radio on Sunday.
Put to him that the opposition had accused him of being overly “strict” with opposition lawmakers, Kövér said the new generation of MPs entering parliament “do not have a sense of the moral responsibility or the dignity” of the chamber.
Citing the inauguration session of the new parliament as an example, when opposition politicians left the chamber after the oath-taking ceremony, Kövér said:
“These young people are not quite aware of the weighty significance of receiving a mandate to represent people in parliament.”
Recalling that when he entered parliament as an opposition lawmaker in 1990, “we also took a creative approach to house regulations sometimes”, Kövér said the younger generation had “upended not only unwritten rules that more or less everyone respected, but is also unwilling to heed written regulations.”
He insisted the opposition had been “infected” with the thought that, if they won the election, they would only need a simple majority rather than two-thirds to “ditch the Fundamental Law”.
“There were even voices suggesting that the new constitution could be written in Brussels
and then rammed through parliament without legislative procedure, by a referendum of some kind,” he said. Others expected “crowds protesting on the streets” to force a replacement of the constitution, he insisted.
“We face the erosion of centuries-old parliamentary norms.
The question is not whether I am strict or not, but how these people and ideas have made it inside Parliament in the first place,” he said.
Regarding the ruling Fidesz-Christian Democrat (KDNP) alliance’s achievements, which won a fourth consecutive term this year, Kövér said multiple mandates to govern with a two-thirds majority had enabled it to implement “constitutional corrections amounting to a second regime change, using the experiences of the period since 1990.”
“The legislative process that started in 2010 was basically completed in the past cycle,”
he said. “Although it still needs tweaking — such as expanding the definition of the state of emergency in view of the war — that process was a historic feat, and it was an honour to sign those laws as speaker,” Kövér said.
Read alsoInaugural session of Hungary’s new parliament: President Áder calls on lawmakers to represent natl interests
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3 Comments
Speaker of Parliament – Laszlo Kover – does he sit and conduct his role – without a “Bias” position or attitude of Judgement ???
PERSONEL – morals & ethics – beliefs and affiliations of a Political party’s – ideas & philosophy – making decisions and rulings – without a Consciene driven and motivated PERSONAL agenda – these are just FEW of the VITAL needs – that to occupy the Speakers Chair in the House of Parliament in Hungary – that ENSURE – you remain NEUTRAL – not swayed nor to favor – but to ensure the role of Speaker of Parliament, under Democracy – functions CORRECTLY.
Laszlo Kover – opened a “Can of Worms” – that could see him personally Politically Damaged – as opinions do suggest – a leaning in favour strongly – to the present Government of the Day – in Hungary.
Neutrality – Independence that you are VOID – are imperatives – when you occupy a position as does Laszlo Kover.
I would say it’s a case of the new generation MPs realising how corrupt and outdated the government is. Just hiding behind sound bites and so called morals that none of them live up to. Dinosaurs became extinct, it’s only a matter of time before Kover and the others will too. This is how the world is, you move forward with the times, if these old men can’t then leave. They won’t be missed.
MAJOR problem – made Comprehensibly -EVIDENT – at the recent National Elections in Hungary – and as rightfully written by Anonymous – “move forward with the times, if these old men can’t – then LEAVE. They will NOT be Missed”.
Ingrained throughout the Hungarian Spectrum, the “Core” of Political Party’s in Hungary – is the pre 1989 – ideas & philosophy – that days prior to 1989 and back, thats the way forward for Hungary.
This continues to be INGESTED into Hungary – arising out of the “old men” – which the longer in time – it’s PERMITTED by Hungarians – the greater the DAMAGE will be – and will continue to INHIBIT opportunities for Hungarians.
Freed up – the shackles removed, and tell them, let the “old me” – go, for there time & service is DONE.
It will require a RUTHLESS program Politically in Hungary, but what was witnessed in the results of the recent held National Elections – was a MASSIVE wake up call in Hungary – that its time for MASSIVE changes in the Political area – driven by new and young blood and not the “old men”.