The New Hungarian Constitution: A National Reshaping on Traditional Values

Catholic Lane ^ | June 3, 2011 | Grégor Puppinck, Ph.D

[StonyMan451]

To a large extent, critics of the new Constitution argue that the document stems from Christian ideals and thought, as its Preamble refers to Christianity. It is also criticized for its choice to protect the right to life and human dignity from the moment of conception, as well as the marriage and family, and prohibits practices aimed at eugenics. Additionally, the opposition objects to the Parliament’s rapid adoption of the text, accusing the government of having been marginalized during the whole reform process. Opponents are also criticizing the new balance of powers favouring the Parliament to the detriment of the Constitutional Court which gained influence during the post-communist transition period.

[StonyMan451]

It definitely looks like at least one country in Hungary has regained some sanity. There's another feature of the new constitution that is not mentioned. If the parliament fails to pass a balanced budget every year, then all members of parliament automatically lose their seat.

Sounds like we could learn a thing or two from them.

[StonyMan451]

...at least one country in Hungary...

Ooops! I mean at least one country in Europe!

[americanophile]

Slap in the face to the EU; especially the mentioning of Christianity in the preamble, something the EU couldn’t bring itself to do.

[Olog-hai]

Looks like people aren’t looking deep enough into this. This is no “slap in the face to the EU” at all. So Hungary’s revanchism that’s written into this constitution is OK? How about their continued persecution of the gypsies? This is more like a slap in the face to the USA.

[americanophile]

If the article's characterization is accurate, I wouldn't call it revanchism; they're extending citizenship to ethnic Hungarians living abroad. As long as there's no territorial ambition, I don't see the problem. I don't know enough about the Gypsie situation to comment frankly, I haven't been to Hungary in years, though as a general principle any ethnic or cultural group that refuses to assimilate is always going to face problems, no matter where they go; assimilation is the American model.