Hungarian parliament elects new fundamental rights ombudsman

Parliament on Tuesday approved Ákos Kozma as Hungary’s new ombudsman for fundamental rights.

Kozma, nominated by President János Áder, was elected with 137 votes in favour, 39 against and one abstention.

Kozma, serving currently as the deputy head of the Independent Police Complaints Board, has been elected for a six-year term.

He is an expert in constitutional law and has held government positions during the first Orban government between 1998 and 2002.

At a hearing at a joint session of parliament’s justice and sustainable development committees on Monday, he vowed to focus on children’s rights, climate protection and biodiversity during his time in office.

Hungarian ombudsman nominee vows to focus on children’s rights, climate protection

The current ombudsman, law professor László Székely, has held the position since September 2013. His mandate will expire in September.

Source: MTI