The National Assembly of Hungary (Országgyűlés) is the unicameral parliament of Hungary, responsible for the legislative activities of the country. Here is detailed information regarding its structure, history, and functions:
Structure
The National Assembly consists of 199 members elected for a four-year term. The election system is a mix of first-past-the-post and proportional representation:
- 106 members are elected in single-member constituencies by a simple majority system.
- The remaining 93 are allocated based on the results of party lists using a system of proportional representation.
History
- 1848 Revolution: The first national assembly was established during the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 against Habsburg rule. It was intended to be a representative body for the nation.
- Post-World War II: After World War II, Hungary became a communist state, and the assembly was largely a rubber-stamp body for the Communist Party's decisions until the political changes of 1989-1990.
- Transition to Democracy: Following the fall of communism, the Hungarian Round Table Talks led to the creation of a multi-party system and the establishment of a democratic National Assembly.
- Constitution of 2011: The new constitution, known as the Fundamental Law, was adopted in 2011 under the leadership of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. This constitution made several changes to the structure and functioning of the National Assembly.
Functions
- Legislation: The Assembly has the power to propose, debate, and pass laws.
- Government Oversight: It holds the government accountable through various mechanisms like interpellations, motions of no confidence, and inquiries.
- Budget Approval: The National Assembly approves the national budget, which is a critical function in shaping national policy and fiscal management.
- Election of Officials: It elects the President of Hungary and has the power to remove the President from office in cases of serious misconduct.
Key Figures
- Speaker of the National Assembly: The Speaker is elected by the members and presides over the sessions. The current Speaker is László Kövér (as of 2023).
- Prime Minister: The Prime Minister, while not a member of the Assembly, is closely tied to its activities, needing its support for legislation and policy implementation.
Challenges and Controversies
The National Assembly has faced several challenges:
- Legislative Overreach: Critics have pointed to legislative changes that some argue centralize too much power in the hands of the ruling party, potentially undermining checks and balances.
- Media Freedom: There have been concerns over media freedom and the independence of the press, which indirectly affects the transparency and accountability of the Assembly.
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