Based on the government’s recommendation, Parliament has adopted bills which serve to protect the Hungarian economy and Hungarian families, and to enhance Hungary’s security, Government Spokesperson István Hollik said at a press conference held on Tuesday.

He highlighted that based on the government’s proposal made in the interest of the fight against migration and terrorism, Parliament granted authorisation to the Hungarian defence forces for their continued involvement in international military operations against the organisation Islamic State. He stressed that mass migration and terrorism that goes with it continue to remain the primary threats to the security of Europe and Hungary, and thanks to Parliament’s decision, Hungary will be able to remain a committed member in the international fight against terrorism and Islamic State.

He said Parliament also decided on the amendment of the family protection law which extends worker protection to grandparents who choose to go on paid child care leave.

The Government Spokesperson said Parliament also voted for measures that seek to further reduce bureaucracy, and as a result, administration will be simpler both for members of the public and businesses, and electronic or automatic administration will be available for a number of case types.

Mr Hollik added that on Wednesday Parliament will vote on a proposal which serves to protect the Hungarian economy, the whitening of the economy, and the reduction of the tax and administrative burdens of local businesses.

In answer to a question concerning the fact that, according to press reports published by Origo, the government will seek a departure from the normal rules of procedure in the interest of the pay rises of judges and prosecutors taking effect from 1 January – as the bill regarding this was not passed by Parliament on Monday –, Mr Hollik said the Hungarian government is committed to implementing the pay rises, and this requires the decision to be presented to Parliament again. The Government Spokesperson cited a technical error in the matter, adding that with all probability Parliament will decide on the issue at an extraordinary session to be held next week.

Mr Hollik said in answer to a question it is shocking and hypocritical that Sándor Burány from the Párbeszéd parliamentary group joked about the case of harassment victims at the Monday meeting of the legislative committee. He added that next to Mr Burány was seated (Mrs) Bangóné, Ildikó Borbély who earlier painted a black eye on herself as a way of protesting against sexual harassment; now, however, she laughed at Sándor Burány’s unacceptable remarks.

He stressed that sexual harassment has no, and indeed cannot have any political aspect, it must be condemned regardless of party affiliation. He said what is going on in theatrical director Péter Gothár’s case is shocking, indicating that the purpose of the bill which seeks to transform the system of cultural grants is to enable the State to share responsibility not only in funding, but also in operational matters.

In answer to another question, Mr Hollik said in evaluation of the Monday demonstration held due to the bill that it is evident that the demonstrators believe that artistic freedom and cultural autonomy are in danger, despite the fact that the text of the proposed legislation lays down that the agreements concluded by the state and municipalities for the joint operation of theatres must guarantee the artistic freedom of theatres. This is something that should be welcomed, the Government Spokesperson observed, taking the view that deliberate political hysteria is being provoked in this matter. In his view, the bill was called to life by an operating anomaly to which the Gothár sexual harassment case drew attention.

In response to the fact that, due to the amendment of the Parliament legislation and the house rules adopted on Tuesday, Párbeszéd had turned to the Constitution Court, Mr Hollik said the government regrets that on this matter they had to go this far, given that the reason why disciplinary powers had to be introduced into the Parliament legislation and the house rules is that there were members of Parliament who “damaged the House’s dignity, were screaming, and shouting threats”. This kind of behaviour – as in any other work place – is not acceptable in Parliament, he stressed.

He added that the Hungarian government and Fidesz-KDNP will respect the decision of the Constitutional Court, and in their view, the amendments will pass the test of constitutionality.

In the context of the election of the members of the Media Council, the Government Spokesperson was asked as to whether it was a normal state of affairs that members of the body had been delegated by a single party. Mr Hollik said they would have been happy if the opposition parties had nominated appropriate candidates, but they nominated party soldiers instead; by contrast, the candidates of Fidesz-KDNP are genuine experts.

In answer to the suggestion that among Fidesz’s candidates there are a former Fidesz MEP, a Fidesz founder member and a former Fidesz municipal councillor, the Government Spokesperson said each and every member has connections to the media, has relevant experience, and they are as such good experts.

(MTI)