'Terror clause' in Hungarian constitution

In the event of a terrorist threat or attack, a “state of terrorist threat” can be declared in Hungary if two-thirds of lawmakers give their approval. Also, certain laws can be bypassed and exceptional measures implemented. That is according to the latest amendment to Hungary's Basic Law.

Hungary's Basic Law, i.e. constitution, was passed by the governing parties only in 2012 and was called 'solid as granite' by PM Viktor Orbán.

Nevertheless, this Tuesday, the governing parties, aided by the right-wing Jobbik party, passed the 6th amendment to this Basic Law, claiming a clause like this was necessary in the current international situation.

Originally, the governing parties wanted to athorize the government to declarea “state of terrorist threat” but the opposition blocked this intent. Eventually, the proposal was modified and Jobbik undertook to support the amendment if parliament's two-thirds majority makes the decision about such declaration.

The other opposition partie believe the government should not be given extra powers as it already has the ones needed in a terror situation, so they voted against the proposal and the Socialists did not even participate in the vote.