Fundamental Law of Hungary

The 2011 constitution adopted by single party majority amid international debate.

Overview

Passed in April 2011 by the Fidesz two thirds majority and effective January 2012, the Fundamental Law replaced the amended 1949 text. It invokes Christian heritage, declares the family as union of man and woman, and embeds doctrinal commitments on taxation and public debt. Its transitional provisions and the practice of constitutional amendment by cardinal laws drew sustained criticism from the Venice Commission and European institutions over rule of law. Its defenders present it as a counterrevolutionary correction of an imposed communist settlement. It stands as the leading case study of constitution making without cross party consensus.