Unusual lawmaking in Hungary: government reshuffled

Hungarian parliament lawmaking government

Photo: MTI

Lawmakers on Tuesday passed a law on setting up an independent energy ministry and a new ministry in charge of economic development.

Parliament passes law on setting up energy, economic development ministries

The government explained the decision to establish a stand-alone energy ministry with the need of an integrated management of energy affairs in a period when energy prices keep fluctuating because of the war in Ukraine and Brussels’ energy sanctions, and energy security has become the “most important” issue in Hungary and Europe as a whole.

The energy ministry headed by Csaba Lantos will start operating as of December 1. Under the law passed on Tuesday, a new ministry for economic development will be set up as of January 1. The ministry will be headed by Marton Nagy, who has served as economic development minister without portfolio.

Under the law, the construction and investment ministry will be renamed as construction and transport ministry. The law was passed with 134 votes in favour, 50 against and five abstentions. With the passing of the law, the number of ministries has gone up from 11 to 12.

Read alsoHungary’s gas reserves may not be enough for the coming winter

Lawmakers approve changes to provisions on social care

Lawmakers on Tuesday voted to amend provisions on social care in the law on social services. The amendment establishes the responsibility of individuals and family members for social care, taking into consideration their abilities and options available to them.

After family members, the responsibility for social care falls on local councils, and then the state, working in partnership with church and civil organisations. The amendment was passed with 134 votes in favour and 54 against.