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Act XX of 1949
The Constitution of the Republic of Hungary
In order to facilitate a peaceful po litical transition to a constitutional state, establish a multi-party system,
parliamentary democracy and a social market economy, the Parliament of the Republic of Hungary hereby
establishes the following text as the Constitution of the Republic of Hungary, until the country’s new
Constitution is adopted.
Chapter I.
General Provisions
Article 1.
The State of Hungary is a republic. Article 2.
(1) The Republic of Hungary is an independent, democratic constitutional state.
(2) In the Republic of Hungary supreme power is ve sted in the people, who exercise their sovereign
rights directly and throug h elected representatives.
(3) No activity of any person may be directed at the fo rcible acquisition or exercise of public power, nor
at the exclusive possession of such power. Everyone has the right and obligation to resist such activities in
such ways as permitted by law.
Article 2/A.
(1) By virtue of treaty, the Republic of Hungary, in its capacity as a Member State of the European
Union, may exercise certain constitutional powers jointly with other Member States to the extent necessary
in connection with the rights and obligations conferred by the treaties on the foundation of the European
Union and the European Communities (hereinafter referr ed to as ‘European Union’); these powers may be
exercised independently and by way of the institutions of the European Union.
(2) The ratification and promulgation of the treaty referr ed to in Subsection (1) shall be subject to a two-
thirds majority vote of the Parliament.
Article 3.
(1) In the Republic of Hungary political parties may be established and may function freely, provided
they respect the Constitution and laws established in accordance with the Constitution.
(2) Political parties shall participate in the development and expression of the popular will.
(3) Political parties may not exercise public power di rectly. Accordingly, no single party may exercise
exclusive control of a government body. In the interest of ensuring the separation of political parties and
public power, the law shall determine those functions and public offices which may not be held by party
members or officers.
Article 4.
Labor unions and other representative bodies shall protect and represent the interests of employees,
members of co-operatives and entrepreneurs.

Article 5.
The State of the Republic of Hungary shall defend the freedom and sovereignty of the people, the
independence and territorial integrity of the country, and its national borders as established in international
treaties.
Article 6.
(1) The Republic of Hungary renounces war as a means of solving disputes between nations and shall
refrain from the use of force and the threat thereof against the independence or territorial integrity of other
states.
(2) The Republic of Hungary shall endeavor to co-operate with all peoples and countries of the world.
(3) The Republic of Hungary bears a sense of responsi bility for the fate of Hungarians living outside its
borders and shall promote and foster their relations with Hungary.
(4) The Republic of Hungary shall take an active part in establishing a European unity in order to
achieve freedom, well-being and security for the peoples of Europe.
Article 7.
(1) The legal system of the Republic of Hungary accepts the generally recognized principles of
international law, and shall harmonize the country’s domestic law with the obligations assumed under
international law.
(2) Legislative procedures shall be regulated by law, for the passage of which a majority of two-thirds of
the votes of the Members of Parliament present is required.
Article 8.
(1) The Republic of Hungary recognizes inviolable and inalienable fundamental human rights. The
respect and protection of these rights is a primary obligation of the State.
(2) In the Republic of Hungary regulations pertaini ng to fundamental rights and duties are determined
by law; such law, however, may not restrict the basic meaning and contents of fundamental rights.
(3)
(4) During a state of national crisis, state of emerge ncy or state of danger, the exercise of fundamental
rights may be suspended or restricted, with the excep tion of the fundamental rights specified in Articles 54.
-56., Paragraphs (2)-(4) of Article 57., Artic le 60., Articles 66. -69. and Article 70/E.
Article 9.
(1) The economy of Hungary is a market economy, in which public and private property shall receive
equal consideration and protection under the law.
(2) The Republic of Hungary recognizes and supports the right to enterprise and the freedom of
competition in the economy.
Article 10.
(1) Property of the State of Hung ary is considered national wealth.
(2) Fields of ownership and economic activity deemed to be the sole domain of the State shall be
defined by law.
Article 11.
Enterprises and economic organizations owned by the State shall conduct business in such manner and
with such responsibilities as defined by law.

Article 12.
(1) The State shall support co-operatives based on voluntary association and shall recognize the
autonomy of such co-operatives.
(2) The State shall respect the property of local governments.
Article 13.
(1) The Republic of Hungary guarantees the right to property.
(2) Expropriation shall only be permitted in exceptional cases, when such action is in the public interest,
and only in such cases and in the manner stipulated by law, with provision of full, unconditional and
immediate compensation.
Article 14.
The Constitution guarantees the right of inheritance. Article 15.
The Republic of Hungary shall protect the institutions of marriage and the family. Article 16.
The Republic of Hungary shall make special efforts to ensure a secure st andard of living, instruction and
education for the young, and shall protect the interests of the young.
Article 17.
The Republic of Hungary shall provide support for those in need through a wide range of social
measures.
Article 18.
The Republic of Hungary recognizes and shall im plement the individual’s right to a healthy
environment.
Chapter II.
The Parliament
Article 19.
(1) The Parliament is the supreme body of State power and popular representation in the Republic of
Hungary.
(2) Exercising its rights based on the sovereignty of the people, the Parliament shall ensure the
constitutional order of society and define the organi zation, orientation and conditions of government.
(3) Within this sphere of authority, the Parliament shall –
a) adopt the Constitution of the Republic of Hungary;
b) pass legislation;
c) define the country’s social and economic policy;
d) assess the balance of public finances, approve the State Budget and its implementation;
e) decide on the Government’s program;

f) conclude international treaties of outstanding importance to the foreign relations of the Republic of
Hungary;
g) decide on the declaration of a state of war and on the conclusion of peace;
h) declare a state of national crisis and establish the National Defense Council, in the case of war, or
imminent danger of armed attack by a foreign power (danger of war);
i) declare a state of emergency, in the case of armed actions aimed at overturning constitutional order or
at the acquisition of exclusive control of public power, in the case of acts of violence committed by force of
arms or by armed groups which gravely endanger live s and property on a mass scale, and in the event of
natural or industrial disaster;
j) with the exceptions laid down in the Constitution, rule on the use of the Hungarian Armed Forces both
abroad and within the country, the deployment of foreign armed forces in Hungary or in other countries
from the territory of Hungary, and the stationing of the Hungarian Armed Forces abroad or of foreign
armed forces in Hungary;
k) elect the President of the Republic, the Prime Mini ster, the members of the Constitutional Court, the
Parliamentary Ombudsmen, the President and Vice-Presidents of the State Audit Office, the President of
the Supreme Court and th e General Prosecutor;
l) upon recommendation made by the Government, which shall first be submitted to the Constitutional
Court for its review, dissolve representative bodies of local government whose actions have been found
unconstitutional, decide on the territory of counties, th eir designation and seat, as well as the declaration of
cities with county-level rights and the establishment of the Districts of the Capital;
m) exercise general amnesty.
n) in the event of an imminent armed invasion or if necessary in connection with the country’s
commitment under alliance, declare (extend) a state of preventive defense emergency, and shall empower
the Government to take the measures necessary.
(4) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Memb ers of Parliament shall be required for the decisions
specified in points g), h) and i) of Paragraph. 3.
(5)
(6) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Me mbers of Parliament in attendance shall be required
for the decision specified in Subparagraphs j) and n) of Paragraph (3).
Article 19/A.
(1) Should the Parliament be obstructed in reaching such decisions, the President of the Republic shall
have the right to declare a state of war, a state of na tional crisis and establish the National Defense Council,
or to declare a state of emergency.
(2) The Parliament shall be considered to be obstructed in reaching such decisions, if it is not in session
and convening it is impossible due to lack of time or du e to the events responsible for the declaration of the
state of war, state of national crisis or state of emergency.
(3) The Speaker of Parliament, the President of the Constitutional Court and the Prime Minister shall
jointly determine whether the Parliament is obstructed, and whether a declaration of a state of war, a state
of national crisis or a state of emergency is justified.
(4) At its first meeting following the end of the obstru ction, the Parliament shall review the justification
of the declaration of a state of war, state of national crisis or state of emergency, and shall rule on the
legality of the measures taken. A majority of two-th irds of the votes of the Members of Parliament is
required for this decision.
Article 19/B.
(1) During a state of martial law, the National Defense Council shall decide
a) on the use of the Hungarian Armed Forces abroad an d within the country, the participation of the
Hungarian Armed Forces in peacekeeping missions, human itarian operations in foreign theaters, and the
stationing of armed forces in a foreign country,

b) on the deployment of foreign armed forces in Hungary or in other countries from the territory of
Hungary, and on the stationing of foreign armed forces in Hungary,
c) on the introduction of emergency measures as defined in a separate law.
(2) The National Defense Council is chaired by the Pr esident of the Republic, and is composed of the
following members: the Speaker of Parliament, the fl oor leaders of the political parties represented in
Parliament, the Prime Minister, the Ministers, and the Chief of Staff of the Hungarian Armed Forces with
the right of consultation.
(3) The National Defense Council shall exercise –
a) the powers transferred to it by the Parliament;
b) the powers of the President of the Republic;
c) the powers of the Government.
(4) The National Defense Council may pass decrees, wh ich may suspend the application of certain laws
or which may deviate from the provisions of certain laws. Furthermore, it may take other extraordinary
measures, but may not, however, suspend the application of the Constitution.
(5) Decrees passed by the National Defense Council shall lose validity upon cessation of the state of
national crisis, unless the Parliament extends the validity of such decrees.
(6) The operation of the Constitutional Court may not be restricted during a state of national crisis.
Article 19/C.
(1) Should Parliament be obstructed upon declaratio n of a state of emergency, the President of the
Republic shall decide on the use of the Hungarian Armed Forces under Subsection (2) of Section 40/B.
(2) The President of the Republic shall introduce em ergency measures, which are defined in a separate
law, by decree during a state of emergency.
(3) The President of the Republic shall immediately inform the Speaker of Parliament of any emergency
measures that have been introduced. The Parliament or, should the Parliament be obstructed, the
Parliamentary Defense Committee shall remain in session during a state of emergency. The Parliament, or
the Parliamentary Defense Committee, shall have the right to suspend emergency measures introduced by
the President of the Republic.
(4) Emergency measures introduced by decree shall rema in in force for a period of thirty days, unless the
Parliament or, should the Parliament be obstructed, the Parliamentary Defense Committee extends their
validity.
(5) In other respects the regulations pertaining to a state of national crisis shall apply to a state of
emergency.
Article 19/D.
A majority of two-thirds of the vot es of the Members of Parliament pr esent is required to pass the law
specifying the detailed regulations to be applied during a state of national crisis and a state of emergency.
Article 19/E.
(1) In the event that the territory of Hungary is subject to an unexpected attack by foreign armed units,
immediate action shall, in accordan ce with the defense plan approved by the Government and the President
of the Republic, be taken – with forces that are commensurate to the gravity of the attack and equipped for
such a role – prior to the declaration of a state of emergency or a state of martial law in order to repel such
attack, defend the territorial integrity of the countr y with the active air and air defense forces of the
Hungarian and allied armed forces, ensure constitutiona l order and the security of lives and property,
protect public order and safety.
(2) In the interest of determining further measures to be taken, the Government shall immediately inform
the Parliament and the President of the Republic on the measures taken on the basis of Paragraph (1).

(3) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Members of Parliament present is required to pass the
law specifying the regulations applicable to imme diate measures to be taken by the Government.
Article 20.
(1) The general election of Members of Parliament – with the exception of elections held due to the
declaration of the Parliament’s dissolution or the Parliament having been dissolved – shall be held in the
month of April or May in the fourth year following the election of the previous Parliament.
(2) Members of Parliament shall carry out their duties in the public interest.
(3) Members of Parliament are granted parliament ary immunity, in accordance with the regulations of
the law defining the legal status of Members of Parliament.
(4) Members of Parliament shall be entitled to remuneration adequate to ensure their independence. A
majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Members of Parliament present shall be required to pass the law
on the remuneration of Members of Parliament.
(5) A Member of Parliament may not be the Presid ent of the Republic, a member of the Constitutional
Court, the Ombudsman for Civil Rights, the Presiden t, Vice President or accountant of the State Audit
Office, a judge or prosecutor, the employee of an admi nistrative body – with the exception of the members
of the Government and under-secretaries of state – nor an active member of the Hungarian Armed Forces
and law enforcement agencies. Other cases of incompatibility may be established by law.
(6) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Me mbers of Parliament present is required to pass the
law on the legal status of Members of Parliament.
Article 20/A.
(1) The mandate of a Member of Parliament shall end –
a) upon completion of the term of Parliament;
b) upon the death of the Member of Parliament;
c) upon declaration of a conflict of interest;
d) upon resignation;
e) upon disfranchisement.
(2) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Me mbers of Parliament present shall be required for the
Parliament to establish a conflict of interest.
(3) Members of Parliament may resign their mandate by making a statement to this effect to the
Parliament. A statement of acceptance by the Parliament is not required for the resignation to be effective.
Article 21.
(1) The Parliament shall elect the Speaker of Parliament, Deputy Speakers and Clerks from among its
Members.
(2) The Parliament shall establish standing committees from among its members and may delegate a
committee for the investigatio n of any issue whatsoever.
(3) Everyone is obliged to provide Parliamentar y Committees with the information requested and is
obliged to testify before such committees.
Article 22.
(1) The Parliament shall hold two regular sessions annually: every year from the 1st of February through
the 15th of June and from the 1st of September through the 15th of December.
(2) The inaugural sitting of the Parliament shall be convened by the President of the Republic within a
period of one month following the elections; in other cases the Speaker of Parliament is responsible for
convening sessions of the Parliament and its individual sittings.

(3) Upon written request by the President of the Republic, the Government or one-fifth of the Members
of Parliament, an extraordinary sitting of the Parliament shall be convened. Such request shall contain the
grounds for convening the extraordinary sitting, as well as the proposed date and agenda.
(4) The Parliament may be adjourned by the President of the Republic no more than once per
parliamentary session and for a period not to exceed thirty days.
(5) During the period of adjour nment the Speaker of Parliament shall re-convene the Parliament, at a
date no later than eight days followi ng the receipt of a written request to this effect, signed by one-fifth of
the Members of Parliament.
Article 23.
Sittings of the Parliament are open to the public. Upon petition by the President of the Republic, the
Government or any Member of Parliament and with the assent of two-thirds of its Members, the Parliament
may decide to hold a closed sitting.
Article 24.
(1) The Parliament has a quorum if no less than half of its members are present.
(2) The Parliament shall pass decisions with a majority of one-half of the votes of the Members of
Parliament present.
(3) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of th e Members of Parliament is required to amend the
Constitution and for certain decisions specified therein.
(4) The Parliament shall establish its rules of procedure and speaking order in the House Rules. A
majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Members of Parliament present is required to pass the House
Rules.
(5)
Article 25.
(1) Legislation may be initiated by the President of the Republic, the Government, all Parliamentary
Committees, and any Memb er of Parliament.
(2) The authority to pass legislation is vested in the Parliament.
(3) The Speaker of Parliament shall sign laws which have been passed by the Parliament and
subsequently send such laws to the President of the Republic.
Article 26.
(1) The President of the Republic shall ensure promulgation of the law within a period of fifteen days
following its receipt, or within a period of five days if the Speaker of Parliament requests that the issue be
accorded urgency. The President of the Republic shall ratify the law sent for promulgation. The law shall
be promulgated in the Official Gazette.
(2) Should the President of the Re public disagree with a law or with any provision of a law, prior to
ratification, he shall refer such law, along with his comments, to the Parliament for reconsideration within
the period of time speci fied in Par. (1).
(3) The Parliament shall debate the law again and hold another vote on its passage. The President of the
Republic is required to ratify and promulgate the law sent to him by the Speaker of Parliament following
this procedure, within a period of five days.
(4) Should the President of the Republic have reservations about the constitutionality of any provision of
a law, he may refer such law to the Constitutional Court for review within the period of time specified in
Par. (1) prior to ratification.

(5) Should the Constitutional Court – in special proceedings – determine the law to be unconstitutional,
the President of the Republic shall refer such la w to the Parliament; otherwise he shall ratify and
promulgate the law within a period of five days.
(6) The President of the Republic shall ratify the la w subject to national referendum if such law is
confirmed by the national referendum.
Article 27.
Any Member of Parliament may direct a question or interpellation to the Ombudsman for Civil Rights
and the Ombudsman for the Rights of National and Ethnic Minorities, to the President of the State Audit
Office and the President of the National Bank of Hungary, to the Government or any of the Members of the
Government, as well as to the General Prosecutor on matters which fall within their respective sphere of
authority.
Article 28.
(1) The term of Parliament commences from its inaugural sitting.
(2) The Parliament has the right to declare its dissolution prior to the completion of its term.
(3) The President of the Republic has the right to dissolve the Parliament, simultaneously with the
announcement of new elections, if –
a) the Parliament passes a motion of no-confidence in the Government on no less than four occasions in
a period of twelve months during the course of one term, or;
b) in the event that the mandate of the Government ends, a candidate for Prime Minister proposed by the
President of the Republic is not elected by the Parliament within a period of forty days from the day upon
which the first candidate is nominated.
(4)
(5) Prior to dissolving the Parliament, the President of the Republic is required to request the opinions of
the Prime Minister, the Speaker of Parliament and th e floor leaders of the parties represented in the
Parliament.
(6) A new Parliament shall be elected within a period of three months following the declaration of the
Parliament’s dissolution or the Parliament having been dissolved.
(7) The Parliament shall continue to operate until the inaugural sitting of the new Parliament.
Article 28/A.
(1) During a state of national crisis or a state of emergency the Parliament may neither declare its
dissolution nor be dissolved.
(2) Should a term of Parliament expire during a state of national crisis or a state of emergency, its
mandate shall be extended until the cessation of the state of national crisis or state of emergency.
(3) During a state of war, the da nger of war or an emergency, the President of the Republic may
reconvene a Parliament which has declared its dissolution or which has been dissolved. The Parliament
itself shall pass a resolution on the extension of its mandate.
Article 28/B.
(1) The subject of national referenda or popular initiatives may fall under the jurisdiction of the
Parliament.
(2) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Me mbers of Parliament present shall be required for the
Parliament to pass the law on nati onal referenda and popular initiatives.
Article 28/C.

(1) A national referendum may be held for reaching a decision or for an expression of opinion. Carrying
out a national referendum may be mandatory or may be the result of the consideration of a matter.
(2) A national referendum shall be held if so initiated by at least 200,000 voting citizens.
(3) If a national referendum is manda tory, the result of the successfully held national referendum shall be
binding for the Parliament.
(4) Based on its consideration, the Parliament may order a national referendum upon the initiative by the
President of the Republic, the Government, by one-third of Members of the Parliament or by 100,000
voting citizens.
(5) National referendum may not be held on the following subjects:
a) on laws on the central budget, the execution of the central budget, taxes to the central government and
duties, customs tariffs, and on the central government conditions for local taxes,
b) obligations set forth in valid international treaties and on the contents of laws prescribing such
obligations,
c) the provisions of the Constitution on national referenda and popular initiatives,
d) personnel and restructuring (reorganization, te rmination) matters falling under Parliamentary
jurisdiction,
e) dissolution of the Parliament,
f) the Government’s program,
g) declaration of a state of war, a state of emergency or a state of national crisis,
h) use of the Hungarian Armed Forces abroad or within the country,
i) dissolution of the representative body of local governments,
j) amnesty.
(6) A national ratification referendum shall be considered successful if more than half of the votes of the
citizens voting are valid, but at least more than one-quarter of all eligible voters have given the same
answer in the referendum.
Article 28/D.
At least 50,000 voting citizens are required for a national popular initiative. A national popular initiative
may be for the purpose of forcing the Parliament to place a subject under its jurisdiction on the agenda. The
Parliament shall debate the subject defined by the national popular initiative.
Article 28/E.
In order to call a national referendum, signatures may be collected for a period of four months in the case of
a civic initiative, and for a period of two months in the case of a national popular initiative.
Chapter III.
The President of the Republic
Article 29.
(1) Hungary’s Head of State is the President of the Republic, who represents the unity of the nation and
monitors the democratic operation of the State.
(2) The President of the Republic is the Commander in Chief of the Hungarian Armed Forces.
Article 29/A.
(1) The Parliament shall elect the President of the Republic for a term of five years.

(2) Any enfranchised Hungarian citizen who has reached the age of thirty-five prior to the date of the
election may be elected to the offi ce of President of the Republic.
(3) The President of the Republic may be re-e lected to such office no more than once.
Article 29/B.
(1) The election of the President of the Republic sh all be preceded by the nomination of a candidate. The
written recommendation of no less than fifty Members of Parliament is required for such a nomination to
be valid. The nomination must be submitted to the Speaker of Parliament prior to the announcement of the
election. No Member of Parliament may nominate more than one candidate. If a Member of Parliament
nominates more than one candidate, all nominations made by the Member shall be invalid.
(2) The Parliament shall elect the President of the Republic by secret ballot. Voting may be repeated
should this prove necessary. The candidate who receive s a majority of two-thirds of the votes of the
Members of Parliament in the first round of voting is elected President of the Republic.
(3) Should no candidate receive such a majority in the first round of voting, the voting process must be
repeated, in accordance with Par. (1). A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Members of Parliament
shall also be required to be elected in the second round of voting.
(4) Should no candidate win the required majority in the second round of voting, a third round of voting
shall be held. In the third round of voting only t hose two candidates who received the largest numbers of
votes in the second round may stand for election. The candidate receiving a majority of the votes –
regardless of the number of votes cast – in the third round of voting is elected President of the Republic.
(5) The election procedure shall be completed within a period of no more than three consecutive days.
Article 29/C.
(1) The President of the Republic must be elected within a period of 30 days prior to the expiration of the
President’s mandate or, should the President’s mandate end prematurely, within 30 days from the date upon
which the mandate ends.
(2) The Speaker of Parliament shall announce the elec tions for the office of President of the Republic.
Article 29/D.
The newly elected President of the Republic shall enter office upon expiration of the previous
President’s mandate or, should the Pr esident’s mandate end prematurely, on the eighth day following the
announcement of the result of the elections. Prior to entering office, the President of the Republic shall take
an oath before Parliament.
Article 29/E.
(1) In the event that the President should be tempor arily prevented from attending to his duties, or that
his mandate should for any reason end prematurely, the Speaker of Parliament shall exercise the powers of
the President of the Republic until the newly elected Pres ident enters office. Such powers are limited to the
extent that the Speaker may not refer laws to the Parliament for consideration, nor to the Constitutional
Court for review, may not dissolve the Parliament, and may only grant pardons to individuals upon whom
final conviction has been passed.
(2) While acting as the President of the Republic, th e Speaker of Parliament may not exercise his powers
as a Member of Parliament, and his duties as Speaker of Parliament shall be attended to by the Deputy
Speaker of Parliament designated by the Parliament.
Article 30.
(1) The office of President of the Republic is in compatible with all other public, social and political
offices or mandates. The President of the Republic shall not be otherwise gainfully employed and shall not

accept remuneration for other activities, with the exception of such activities which fall under the
protection of copyright.
(2) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Me mbers of Parliament present is required to pass the
law on the amount of compensation, allowances and reimbursement due to the President of the Republic.
Article 30/A.
(1) The President of the Republic shall –
a) represent the State of Hungary;
b) conclude international treaties in the name of the Republic of Hungary; if the subject of the treaty falls
within its legislative competence, prior ratification by the Parliament is necessary for conclusion of the
treaty;
c) accredit and receive am bassadors and envoys;
d) announce general parliamentary and local government elections, mayoral elections as well as the dates
of the European parliamentary elections and national referenda;
e) have the right to participate in and speak at sittings of the Parliament and of its committees;
f) have the right to petition the Parliament to take action;
g) have the right to initiate national referenda;
h)
i) appoint and dismiss the President and Vice-Presidents of the National Bank of Hungary, and
university professors upon the recommendation of persons or organizations specified in a separate law;
appoint and dismiss the university r ectors; appoint and promote Generals of the armed forces; confirm the
President of the Hungaria n Academy of Sciences;
j) confer titles, orders, awards and decorations specified by law and authorize the use thereof;
k) exercise the right to gr ant individual pardons;
l) issue rulings in cases of citizenship;
m) issue rulings in all issues assigned to his sphe re of authority on the basis of separate laws.
(2) The counter-signature of the Prime Minister or responsible Minister is required for all of the
measures and actions of the President of the Republic listed in Paragraph (1), with the exception of the
items specified in Points a), d) , e), f) and g).
Article 31.
(1) The mandate of the President of the Republic shall end –
a) upon completion of the term of office;
b) upon the death of the President;
c) upon incapacitation preventing him from attending to his duties for a period of more than ninety days;
d) upon declaration of a conflict of interest;
e) upon resignation;
f) upon removal from the office of President.
(2) Should grounds for a conflict of interest [Article 30, Par. (1)] involving the President of the Republic
arise during his term of office, any Member of Parliament may petition the Parliament to decide on a
declaration of a conflict of interest. A majority of two- thirds of the votes of the Members of Parliament is
necessary to carry such a resolution. Voting shall be held by secret ballot.
(3) The President of the Republic may resign from offi ce by addressing a statement to this effect to the
Parliament. A statement of acceptance on behalf of th e Parliament is required for the resignation to be
valid. Within a period of fifteen days the Parliament may request that the President of the Republic
reconsider the decision. Should the President of the Re public stand by the decision, the Parliament may not
deny recognition of his resignation.

(4) The President of the Republic may be removed from office on the basis of an intentional violation of
the Constitution or any other law committed while in office.
Article 31/A.
(1) The person of the President of the Republic is inviolable; protection from criminal prosecution shall
be granted by a separate law.
(2) Should the President of the Republic violate the Constitution or any other law while in office, a
motion supported by one-fifth of the Members of Par liament may propose that impeachment proceedings
be initiated against the President of the Republic.
(3) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Members of Parliament is required to initiate
impeachment proceedings. Voting sh all be held by secret ballot.
(4) From passage of this resolution by the Pa rliament until the conclusion of the impeachment
proceedings, the President of the Republic may not attend to any of the duties of his office.
(5) The Constitutional Court shall have jurisdiction in such cases.
(6) Should the Constitutional Court determine that the law was violated, it shall have the authority to
remove the President of the Republic from office.
(7)-(8)
Article 32.
(1) If impeachment proceedings are initiated against the President of the Republic on the basis of an
indictable offense committed in connection with offici al activities while in office, then the Constitutional
Court shall also apply the basic provisions of criminal prosecution in its proceedings. The prosecution shall
be represented by a Special Prosecutor elected from among the Members of Parliament.
(2) In other cases, criminal proceedings against the President of the Republic may only be initiated
subsequent to the end of his term of office.
(3) Should the Constitutional Court find the President of the Republic guilty of an intentional criminal
offense, it may remove the President of the Republic from office and simultaneously apply any punishment
and measures prescribed for such offense in the Penal Code.
Chapter IV.
The Constitutional Court
Article 32/A.
(1) The Constitutional Court shall review the constitutionality of laws and attend to the duties assigned to
its jurisdiction by law.
(2) The Constitutional Court shall annul any laws and other statutes that it finds to be unconstitutional.
(3) Everyone has the right to initiate proceedings of the Constitutional Court in the cases specified by
law.
(4) The Constitutional Court shall consist of eleven members who are elected by the Parliament.
Members of the Constitutional Court shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee which shall consist
of one member of each political party represented in the Parliament. A majority of two-thirds of the votes
of the Members of Parliament is required to elect a member of the Constitutional Court.
(5) Members of the Constitutional Court may not be members of a political party and may not engage in
any political activities outside of the responsibilities arising from the Constitutional Court’s sphere of
jurisdiction.
(6) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Me mbers of Parliament present is required to pass the
law regulating the organization and operation of the Constitutional Court.

Chapter V.
The Parliamentary Ombudsman for Civil Rights and the Parliamentary
Ombudsman for the Rights of National and Ethnic Minorities

Article 32/B.
(1) The Parliamentary Ombudsman for Civil Rights is responsible for investigating or initiating the
investigation of cases involving the infringement of constitutional rights which come to his attention and
initiating general or specific measures for their remedy.
(2) The Parliamentary Ombudsman for the Rights of National and Ethnic Minorities is responsible for
investigating or initiating the investigation of cases in volving the infringement of the rights of national or
ethnic minorities which come to his attention and initiating general or specific measures for their remedy.
(3) Everyone has the right to in itiate proceedings by the Parliamentary Ombudsmen in the cases
specified by law.
(4) The Parliamentary Ombudsmen for Civil Rights an d for the Rights of National and Ethnic Minorities
shall be elected by a majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Members of Parliament, based on the
recommendation made by the President of the Re public. The Parliament may also elect special
Ombudsmen for the protection of in dividual constitutional rights.
(5)
(6) The Parliamentary Ombudsmen shall present the Par liament with an annual report on their activities.
(7) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Members of Parliament present is required to pass the
law on Parliamentary Ombudsmen.
Chapter VI.
The State Audit Office and the National Bank of Hungary
Article 32/C.
(1) The State Audit Office is the organ of Parliament responsible for financial and economic auditing.
Within its sphere of authority the State Audit Office shall control the management of public finances, in the
course of which it shall review the fundamental so undness of the proposed State Budget, review the
necessity and expediency of expenditures, and countersign contracts pertaining to the assumption of credits
for the Budget; it shall review the legality of proposed State Budget expenditures in advance; it shall audit
the final accounts of the implementation of the State Budget; it shall monitor the management of State
assets, audit state-owned enterprises and their activities directed at the maintenance or increase of the value
of their assets; it shall attend to other duties assigned to its sphere of authority by law.
(2) The State Audit Office shall carry out its review and control activities bearing in mind the aspects of
legality, expediency and efficiency. The State Audit Office shall present the Parliament with a report on the
auditing activities it has carried out. Its report shall be made public. The President of the State Audit Office
shall present the Parliament with the audit report on the final account s together with the final accounts
themselves.
(3) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Me mbers of Parliament is required to elect the President
and Vice-Presidents of the State Audit Office.
(4) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Me mbers of Parliament present is required to pass the
law on the organization and basic principles of operation of the State Audit Office.
Article 32/D.

(1) The National Bank of Hungary is the central bank of the Republic of Hungary. The National Bank of
Hungary shall define the country’s monetary policy in accordance with the provisions of specific other
legislation.
(2) The President of the National Bank of Hungary is appointed by the President of the Republic for a
term of six years.
(3) The President of the National Ba nk of Hungary shall present the Parliament with a report on the
activities of the National Bank once every year.
(4) The president of the National Bank of Hungary sha ll, within the framework of his responsibilities and
duties, issue decrees, which may not be contradictory to any act of Parliament. These decrees shall be
promulgated in the official journal.
Chapter VII.
The Government
Article 33.
(1) The Government shall consist of –
a) the Prime Minister and
b) the Ministers.
(2) The Prime Minister shall appoint a Deputy Prime Minister from among the ministers.
(3) The Prime Minister shall be elected by a majority of the votes of the Members of Parliament, based
on the recommendation made by the President of the Republic. The Parliament shall hold the vote on the
election of the Prime Minister and on the passage of the Government’s program at the same time.
(4) The Ministers shall be appointed and dismisse d by the President of the Republic, based on the
recommendation made by the President of the Republic.
(5) The Government is formed upon appointment of the Ministers. Subsequent to its formation, the
Members of the Government shall take an oath before Parliament.
Article 33/A.
The Government’s mandate shall end –
a) upon formation of the newly elected Parliament;
b) upon resignation of the Prime Minister or the Government;
c) upon the death of the Prime Minister;
d) upon disfranchisement of the Prime Minister,
e) upon establishment of a conflict of interest on the part of the Prime Minister, or
f) if the Parliament passes a motion of no-confidence in the Prime Minister and elects a new Prime
Minister in accordance with the prov isions of Par. (1), Article 39/A.
Article 33/B.
The Minister’s term shall cease –
a) upon completion of the Government’s term,
b) upon the Minister’s resignation,
c) upon the Minister’s dismissal,
d) upon the death of the Minister,
e) upon disfranchisement of the Minister,
f) upon declaration of a conflict of interest.

Article 34.
(1) The list of Ministries of the Republic of Hungary shall be contained in a separate law.
(2) Any amendment of an Act of Parliament pertaining to the designation of a Ministry, Minister or
administrative agency shall be made in an act adopt ed by over half of the votes of the Members of
Parliament present.
Article 35.
(1) The Government shall –
a) defend constitutional order, and defend and ensure the rights of the natural person, legal persons and
unincorporated organizations;
b) ensure the implementation of laws;
c) direct and co-ordinate the work of the Ministries and other organs placed under its direct supervision;
d) ensure that the legal operation of local government is monitored;
e) ensure the formulation of social and econo mic policies and the implementation thereof;
f) define State responsibilities in the development of science and culture, and ensure the necessary
conditions for the implementation thereof;
g) define the State system of social welfare and health care services, and ensure sufficient funds for such
services;
h) supervise the operation of the Hungarian Armed Forces and of the law enforcement agencies;
i) take the measures necessary to limit and alleviate the consequences of natural disasters that endanger
lives and property (hereina fter referred to as a state of danger) and to maintain public order and safety;
j) participate in the development of foreign policy; conclude international treaties in the name of the
Government of the Republic of Hungary;
k) represent the Republic of Hungary in the institutions of the European Union that require government
participation;
l) attend to those responsibilities assigned to its sphere of authority by law.
m) have powers, in the event of a st ate of preventive defense emergenc y, to introduce measures by way
of derogation from the acts governing the administrative system and the operation of the Hungarian Armed
Forces and the law enforcement agencies; such meas ures shall remain in force until the Parliament’s
decision, not to exceed 60 days, an d the Government shall continuously inform the President of the
Republic and the competent parliamentar y committees concerning these measures.
(2) Within its sphere of authority, the Government shall issue decrees and pass resolutions, which shall
be signed by the Prime Minister. Government decr ees and resolutions may not conflict with the law.
Government decrees shall be promulgated in the Official Gazette.
(3) In a state of danger and in a state of preventive defense emergency the Government, if authorized to
do so by Parliament, may issue decrees and pass resolutions by way of derogation from the provisions of
the respective laws. A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Members of Parliament present shall be
required to pass the law establishing the regulations to be applied in a state of danger and in a state of
preventive defense emergency.
(4) With the exception of legal statutes, the Government shall annul or amend all legally irreconcilable
resolutions or measures taken by any subordinate public authorities.
Article 35/A.
(1) In all matters in connection with European inte gration, the detailed rules governing the oversight
powers of Parliament or its committees, the relationship between Parliament and the Government, and the
Government’s obligation to disclose information shall be enacted by a two-thirds vote of those Members of
Parliament present.

(2) The Government shall present to Parliament the motions that are on the agenda of the decision-
making mechanism of those institutions of the European Union that require government participation.
Article 36.
In the course of fulfilling its res ponsibilities, the Government sha ll co-operate with the relevant
social organizations.
Article 37.
(1) The Prime Minister shall preside over sessions of Government and shall ensure the implementation
of Government decrees and resolutions.
(2) The Ministers shall head the branches of public administration falling within their respective
portfolios and direct the public au thorities they are responsible for in accordance with the law and
Government resolutions. Ministers without Portfolio shall attend to the responsibilities determined by the
Government.
(3) In the course of administering their duties, Members of the Government may issue decrees under
authorization by an act or government decree. Such decrees, however, may not be in conflict with any act
or government decree. Such decrees shall be promulgated in the Official Journal.
Article 38.
Article 39.
(1) The Government is responsible to the Parliament for its operation and is required to furnish the
Parliament with regular reports on its work.
(2) Members of the Government are responsible to the Government and to the Parliament and shall
provide the Government and the Parliament with reports on their activities. The legal status, compensation
and method of accountability of Members of the Government and Stat e Secretaries shall be regulated by
law.
(3) Members of the Government may participate and speak at sittings of Parliament.
Article 39/A.
(1) A motion of no-confidence in the Prime Mini ster may be initiated by a written petition, which
includes the nomination for a candidate for the office of Prime Minister, by no less than one-fifth of the
Members of Parliament. A motion of no-confidence in the Prime Minister is considered a motion of no-
confidence in the Government as well. Should, on the basis of this motion, the majority of the Members of
Parliament withdraw their confidence, then the candida te nominated for Prime Minister in the motion shall
be considered to have been elected.
(2) The debate and vote on the motion of no-confidence shall be held no earlier than three days from the
date of proposal and no later than eight days from the date of proposal.
(3) The Government, via the Prime Minister, may propose a vote of confidence in accordance with the
period of time specified in Paragraph (2).
(4) The Government, via the Prime Minister, may propose that the vote on the motion it has made
simultaneously be considered as a vote of confidence.
(5) Should the Parliament fail to give the Government a vote of confidence in accordance with the
provisions of Paragraphs (3)-(4), the Government shall resign.
Article 39/B.
Should the mandate of the Government end, the Government shall remain in office until the formation of
the new Government and shall continue to exercise the rights accorded to it; the Government, however,

may not conclude international treaties and may only issue decrees with the express authorization of a law,
in cases when delay is not permissible.
Article 39/C.
(1) If the term of the Prime Minister is terminated upon formation of the newly elected Parliament or
upon the resignation of the Prime Minister or the Government, the Prime Minister shall remain in office as
an interim Prime Minister until the new Prime Minister is elected, but may not motion for the nomination
or dismissal of ministers and may only issue decrees upon the express authorization of law in urgent cases.
(2) If the term of the Prime Minister ends due to his death, disfranchisement or upon declaration of a
conflict of interest, the Deputy Prime Minister – or the first Deputy Prime Minister if more than one Deputy
Prime Minister has been appointed – shall hold, subject to the restrictions defined in Paragraph (1), the
Prime Minister’s office until the new Prime Minister is elected.
Article 40.
(1) The Government has the right to form committees for specific functions.
(2) The Government has the right to place any branch of public administ ration under its direct
supervision and create separate government bodies for this purpose.
(3) The legal status, remuneration and method of accountability of the members of ministries and bodies
controlled and supervised by the Government shall be governed by specific other legislation.
Chapter VIII.
Hungarian Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies
Article 40/A.
(1) The fundamental duty of the Hungarian Armed Fo rces is the military defense of the country and
participation in the collective defense duties under international treaty.
(2) The fundamental duty of the Police is to protect public security, to maintain law and order, and to
guard the borders of the country.
(3)
(4) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Members of Parliament present is required to pass the
law on the Hungarian Armed Forces and its duties, on the Police and on the use of special investigative
means and techniques, and on the detailed regulations pertaining to issues of national security.
Article 40/B.
(1)
(2) In the event of armed actions aimed at overturning constitutional order or at the acquisition of
exclusive control of public power, or in the case of gr ave acts of violence committed by force of arms or by
armed groups which endanger lives and property on a mass scale, during a state of emergency declared in
accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, the Hungarian Armed Forces may be used, if the use of
the police proves insufficient.
(3) Within the framework of the Constitution, only Parliament, the President of the Republic, the
National Defense Council, the Government and the resp onsible Minister shall have the right to command
the Hungarian Armed Forces, unless otherwis e provided by international treaties.
(4) Professional members of the Hungarian Armed Forces, the Police an d the national security services
may not be members of political parties and may not engage in political activities.

(5) Restrictions on the political activities of non-professional members of the Hungarian Armed Forces
may be established by a law passed by a majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Members of Parliament
present.
Article 40/C.
(1) The Government shall have powers to authorize the use of the Hungarian Armed Forces and foreign
armed units by decision of the European Union, or deployment of troops by decision of the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization in accor dance with Subparagraph j) of Paragraph (3) of Article 19.
(2) The Government shall forthwith notify the Parliament and the President of the Republic concurrently
of its decisions made under Paragraph (1) and as regards the participation of the Hungarian Armed Forces
in peacekeeping missions and humanitari an operations in foreign theaters.
Chapter IX.
Local Governments
Article 41.
(1) The territory of the Republic of Hungary is divided into the following administrative units: the
capital, the counties, the cities and communities.
(2) The capital is divided into districts. Districts may be formed in cities as well.
Article 42.
Eligible voters of the communities, cities, the capital and its districts, and the counties have the right to
local government. Local government refers to independent, democratic management of local affairs and the
exercise of local public authority in the interests of the local population.
Article 43.
(1) The fundamental rights of all local governments (see Article 44/A.) are equal. The duties of local
governments may differ.
(2) The rights and duties of local governments shall be determined by law. The lawful exercise of the
powers of local government is afforded the legal protection of the courts and any local government may
appeal to the Constitutional Court for the protection of its rights.
Article 44.
(1) Eligible voters exercise the right to local government through the representative body that they elect
and by way of local referendum.
(2) With the exception of mid-term elections, the mayor and the members of local representative bodies
shall be elected in the month of October in the fourth year following the previous general elections.
(3) The mandate of the representative body shall expire on the day of the general local government
elections. If no elections are held due to the lack of nominees, the mandate of the representative body shall
extend to the day of the mid-term elections. The mandate of the mayor shall expire upon the election of the
new mayor.
(4) A representative body may declare its dissolution prior to the expiration of its mandate and in
accordance with the conditions stipulated in the law on local governme nts. Upon dissolution of the body
[Article 19, Paragraph (3), Point l)] the mandate of the Mayor also ends.
Article 44/A.

(1) The local representative body –
a) shall independently manage and administrate the affairs of local government and its decisions may
only be reviewed with respect to their legality;
b) shall exercise the rights of ownership in the assets of local government, independently manage local
government revenues, and may undertake business activities at its own liability;
c) shall be entitled to its own revenues for attending to the duties of local government as prescribed by
law, and shall furthermore be entitled to state support commensurate to the scope of such duties;
d) shall determine the types and rates of local taxes in accordance with the framework established by
law;
e) shall independently establish its own organization and rules of procedure in accordance with the
framework established by law;
f) may develop symbols and emblems of government, and establish local honors and titles;
g) may present proposals to the authorities responsible for decisions that affect the local population;
h) may freely merge with other local representative bodies and create as sociations of local government
for the representation of their interests, may co-operate with the local governments of other countries and
may be a member of international associations of local government.
(2) Local representative bodies may issue decrees, which may not conflict with legal statutes of a
superior order.
Article 44/B.
(1) The Mayor is the chairman of the local repres entative body. The representative body may elect
committees and create offices.
(2) In exceptional cases the Mayor may attend to st ate administrative duties and authorities in addition to
his responsibilities of local government, in accordance with the law or a government decree authorized by
law.
(3) State administrative duties and authority may be a ssigned to the Clerk of local representative bodies
and in exceptional cases to the Direct or of the Office of Local Government.
Article 44/C.
A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Members of Parliament present is required to pass the law on
local governments. The fundamental rights of local governments may be restricted by a law which also
requires a two-thirds majority.
Chapter X.
The Judiciary
Article 45.
(1) In the Republic of Hungary justice is administered by the Supreme Court of the Republic of Hungary,
the appeals courts, the Municipal Court of Budapest, the county courts and the local and labor courts.
(2) Special courts for specific groups of cases may be established by law.
Article 46.
(1) The courts shall, unless otherwise prescribed by law, administer justice through councils.
(2) Non-professional judges shall also participate in the cases and in the manner prescribed by law.
(3) Only professional judges may fill the office of single judges and presidents of council.

Article 47.
(1) The Supreme Court is the supreme court author ity for justice of the Republic of Hungary.
(2) The Supreme Court shall assure the uniformity of the administration of justice by the courts and its
resolutions concerning uniformity shall be binding for all courts.
Article 48.
(1) Based on the recommendation made by the Presid ent of the Republic, the Parliament shall elect the
President of the Supreme Court; ba sed on the recommendation made by the President of the Supreme
Court, the President of the Republic shall appoint the Deputy Presidents of the Supreme Court. A majority
of two-thirds of the votes of the Members of Parliame nt is required to elect the President of the Supreme
Court.
(2) The President of the Republic shall appoint pr ofessional judges in the manner specified by law.
(3) Judges may only be removed from office on the grounds and in accordance with the procedures
specified by law.
Article 49.
Article 50.
(1) The courts of the Republic of Hungary shall pr otect and uphold constitutional order, as well as the
rights and lawful interests of natural person, legal persons and unincorporated organizations, and shall
determine the punishment for those who commit criminal offenses.
(2) The courts shall review the legality of the decisions of public administration.
(3) Judges are independent and answer only to the la w. Judges may not be members of political parties
and may not engage in political activities.
(4) Administration of the courts shall be exercised by the National Council of Justice; self-government
bodies for the representation of judges shall also participate in such administration.
(5) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Me mbers of Parliament present shall be required for the
Parliament to pass the laws on the structure and supervision of courts and on the legal status and
remuneration of judges.
Chapter XI.
The Office of the Public Prosecutor
Article 51.
(1) The General Prosecutor and the Office of the Public Prosecutor of the Republic of Hungary ensure
the protection of the rights of the natural person, legal persons and unincorporated organizations, maintain
constitutional order and shall prosecute to the full extent of the law any act which violates or endangers the
security and independen ce of the country.
(2) The Office of the Public Prosecutor shall exer cise rights specified by law in connection with
investigations, shall represent the prosecution in court proceedings, and shall be responsible for the
supervision of the legality of penal measures.
(3) The Office of the Public Prosecutor shall help to ensure that everybody comply with the law. When
the law is violated, the Office of the Public Prosecutor shall act to uphold the law in the cases and manner
specified by law.
Article 52.

(1) The Parliament shall elect a candidate for General Prosecutor upon the recommendation made by the
President of the Republic; the President of the Republic shall appoint the Deputies to the General
Prosecutor on the basis of the recommendation made by the General Prosecutor.
(2) The General Prosecutor shall answer to the Parlia ment and shall provide a report on his activities.
Article 53.
(1) Public prosecutors are appointed by the General Prosecutor of the Republic of Hungary.
(2) Public prosecutors may not be members of political parties and may not engage in political activities.
(3) The Office of the Public Prosecutor is directed by the General Prosecutor.
(4) The regulations pertaining to the Office of the Public Prosecutor shall be determined by law.
Chapter XII.
Fundamental Rights and Duties
Article 54.
(1) In the Republic of Hungary everyone has the inherent right to life and to human dignity. No one shall
be arbitrarily denied of these rights.
(2) No one shall be subject to torture or to cruel, inhuman or humiliating treatment or punishment. Under
no circumstances shall anyone be subjected to medical or scientific experiments without his prior consent.
Article 55.
(1) In the Republic of Hungary everyone has the right to freedom and personal security; no one shall be
deprived of his freedom except on the grounds and in accordance with the procedures specified by law.
(2) Any individual suspected of having committed a criminal offense and held in detention shall either
be released or shall be brought before a judge within the shortest possible period of time. The judge is
required to grant the detained individual a hearin g and shall immediately prepare a written ruling with a
justification for either releasing the detainee or having the individual placed under arrest.
(3) Any individual subject to illegal arrest or detainment is entitled to compensation.
Article 56.
In the Republic of Hungary everyone is legally capable.
Article 57.
(1) In the Republic of Hungary everyone is equal before the law a nd has the right to have the accusations
brought against him, as well as his rights and duties in legal proceedings, judged in a just, public trial by an
independent and impartial court established by law.
(2) In the Republic of Hungary no one shall be cons idered guilty until a court has rendered a final legal
judgment determining criminal culpability.
(3) Individuals subject to criminal proceedings ar e entitled to legal defense at all stages of the
proceedings. Defense lawyers may not be held accoun table for opinions expressed in the course of the
defense.
(4) No one shall be declared guilty and subjected to punishment for an offense that was not considered –
at the time it was committed – a criminal offense under Hungarian law, or the laws of any country
participating in the progressive establishment of an area of freedom, security and justice, and to the extent
prescribed in the relevant Community legislation w ith a view to the mutual recognition of decisions,
without any restrictions in terms of major fundamental rights.

(5) In the Republic of Hungary everyone may seek legal remedy, in accordance with the provisions of
the law, to judicial, administrative or other official decisions, which infringe on his rights or justified
interests. A law passed by a majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Members of Parliament present may
impose restrictions on the right to legal remedy in th e interest of, and in proportion with, adjudication of
legal disputes within a reasonable period of time.
Article 58.
(1) Everyone legally staying or residing in the territo ry of the Republic of Hungary – with the exception
of the cases established by law – has the right to move freely and to choose his place of residence, including
the right to leave his domicile or the country.
(2) Foreigners legally residing in the territory of the Republic of Hungary may only be deported on the
basis of a resolution reached in accordance with the law.
(3) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Me mbers of Parliament present is required to pass the
law on the freedom of movement and residence.
Article 59.
(1) In the Republic of Hungary everyone has the right to the good standing of his reputation, the privacy
of his home and the protection of secrecy in private affairs and personal data.
(2) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Me mbers of Parliament present is required to pass the
law on the secrecy of personal data.
Article 60.
(1) In the Republic of Hungary everyone has the right to freedom of thought, freedom of conscience and
freedom of religion.
(2) This right shall include the free choice or accep tance of a religion or belief, and the freedom to
publicly or privately express or decline to express, exercise and teach such religions and beliefs by way of
religious actions, rites or in any other way, either individually or in a group.
(3) The church and the State shall operate in separation in the Republic of Hungary.
(4) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Me mbers of Parliament present is required to pass the
law on the freedom of belief and religion.
Article 61.
(1) In the Republic of Hungary everyone has the right to freely express his opinion, and furthermore to
access and distribute informat ion of public interest.
(2) The Republic of Hungary recognizes and respects the freedom of the press.
(3) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Me mbers of Parliament present is required to pass the
law on the public access to information of public in terest and the law on the freedom of the press.
(4) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Me mbers of Parliament present is required to pass the
law on the supervision of public radio, television and the public news agency, as well as the appointment of
the directors thereof, on the licensing of commercial radio and television, and on the prevention of
monopolies in the media sector.
Article 62.
(1) The Republic of Hungary recogn izes the right to peaceful assembly and shall ensure the free exercise
thereof.
(2) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Me mbers of Parliament present is required to pass the
law on the right of assembly.

Article 63.
(1) On the basis of the right of assembly, everyone in the Republic of Hungary has the right to establish
organizations whose goals are not prohibited by law and to join such organizations.
(2) The establishment of armed organizations with political objectives shall not be permitted on the basis
of the right of assembly.
(3) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Me mbers of Parliament present is required to pass the
law on the right of assembly and the financial management and operation of political parties.
Article 64.
In the Republic of Hungary everyone has the right to present, individually or together with others,
written petitions or complaints to the relevant public authority.
Article 65.
(1) In accordance with the conditions established by la w, the Republic of Hungary shall, if neither their
country of origin nor another country provides protection, extend the right of asylum to foreign citizens
who, in their native country or the country of their usual place of residence, are subject to persecution on
the basis of race or nationality, their alliance with a specific social group, religious or political conviction,
or whose fear of being subject to persecution is well founded.
(2) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Members of Parliament present is required to pass the
law on the right to asylum.
Article 66.
(1) The Republic of Hungary shall ensure the equality of men and women in all civil, political,
economic, social an d cultural rights.
(2) In the Republic of Hungary moth ers shall receive support and protection before and after the birth of
the child, in accordance with separate regulations.
(3) Separate regulations shall ensure the protection of women and youth in the workplace.
Article 67.
(1) In the Republic of Hungary all children have the right to receive the protection and care of their
family, and of the State and society, which is neces sary for their satisfactory physical, mental and moral
development.
(2) Parents have the right to choose the fo rm of education given to their children.
(3) Separate regulations shall establish the responsibilities of the State with regard to the situation and
protection of the family and youth.
Article 68.
(1) The national and ethnic minorities living in the Republic of Hungary participate in the sovereign
power of the people: they represent a constituent part of the State.
(2) The Republic of Hungary shall provide for the pr otection of national and ethnic minorities and ensure
their collective participation in public affairs, the fostering of their cultures, the use of their native
languages, education in their native languages and the use of names in their native languages.
(3) The laws of the Republic of Hungary shall en sure representation for the national and ethnic
minorities living within the country.
(4) National and ethnic minorities shall have the right to form local and national bodies for self-
government.

(5) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Members of Parliament present is required to pass the
law on the rights of national and ethnic minorities.
Article 69.
(1) In the Republic of Hungary no one shall be denied of his Hungarian citizenship against his will and
no Hungarian citizen may be expelled from the territory of the Republic of Hungary.
(2) Hungarian citizens may always return to Hungary from abroad.
(3) All Hungarian citizens are entitled to enjoy the protection of the Republic of Hungary while legally
residing or staying abroad.
(4) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Me mbers of Parliament present is required to pass the
law on citizenship.
Article 70.
(1) All adult Hungarian citizens residing in the territo ry of the Republic of Hungary have the right to be
elected and the right to vote in Parliamentary elections; they have the right, furthermore, to participate in
national referenda and popular initiatives.
(2) All adult Hungarian citizens residing in the territory of the Republic of Hungary and all adult citizens
of other Member States of the European Union who reside in the territory of the Republic of Hungary shall
have the right to be elected in local ballots for the election of representatives and mayors; they shall have
the right to vote, provided that they are in the territory of the Republic of Hungary on the day of the
election or referendum, and, furthermore, to partic ipate in local referenda and popular initiatives. Only
Hungarian citizens may be elected to the post of mayor in any local government and the City of Budapest.
(3) All adult persons holding refugee, immigrant or permanent resident status in the Republic of Hungary
shall have the right to vote in local ballots for the election of representatives and mayors, provided that they
are in the territory of the Republic of Hungary on the day of the election or referendum, and furthermore to
participate in local referenda or popular initiatives.
(4) All adult Hungarian citizens residing in the territory of the Republic of Hungary and all adult citizens
of other Member States of the European Union who reside in the territory of the Republic of Hungary shall
have the right to be elected and the right to vote in elections for the European Parliament.
(5) The right to vote shall not be granted to persons who are under guardianship or conservatorship,
persons who are subject to a final legal judgment forbidding them to participate in public affairs, or persons
who are incarcerated on the basis of a final legal judgment or who have been committed to treatment in a
mental institution on the basis of a final legal judgm ent rendered in criminal proceedings. Furthermore,
adult citizens of other Member States of the European Union who reside in the territory of the Republic of
Hungary shall not have the right to be elected if they have been deprived of such right in their country of
citizenship by the laws of th at country or by a judicial or other official decision.
(6) All Hungarian citizens have the right to hold public office in accordance with their suitability,
education and professional ability.
Article 70/A.
(1) The Republic of Hungary shall respect the human rights and civil rights of all persons in the country
without discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion,
national or social origins, financial situation, birth or on any other grounds whatsoever.
(2) The law shall provide for strict punishment of discrimination on the basis of Paragraph (1).
(3) The Republic of Hungary shall endeavor to implement equal rights for everyone through measures
that create fair opportunities for all.
Article 70/B.

(1) In the Republic of Hungary everyone has the right to work and to freely choose his job and
profession.
(2) Everyone has the right to equal compensation for equal work, without any discrimination whatsoever.
(3) All persons who work have the right to an income that corresponds to the amount and quality of work
they carry out.
(4) Everyone has the right to leisure time, to free time and to regular paid vacation.
Article 70/C.
(1) Everyone has the right to establish or join organizations together with others with the objective
of protecting his economic or social interests.
(2) The right to strike may be exercised within the framework of the law regulating such right.
(3) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Members of Parliament present is required to pass
the law on the right to strike.
Article 70/D.
(1) Everyone living in the territory of the Republic of Hungary has the right to the highest possible level
of physical and mental health.
(2) The Republic of Hungary shall implement this right through institutions of labor safety and health
care, through the organization of medical care and the opportunities for regular physical activity, as well as
through the protection of the urban and natural environment.
Article 70/E.
(1) Citizens of the Republic of Hungary have the right to social security; they are entitled to the support
required to live in old age, and in the case of sickness, disability, being widowed or orphaned and in the
case of unemployment through no fault of their own.
(2) The Republic of Hungary shall implement the right to social support through the social security
system and the system of social institutions.
Article 70/F.
(1) The Republic of Hungary guarantees the right of education to its citizens.
(2) The Republic of Hungary shall implement this right through the dissemination and general access to
culture, free compulsory primary schooling, through secondary and higher education available to all
persons on the basis of their ability, and furthermore through financial support for students.
Article 70/G.
(1) The Republic of Hungary shall respect and support the freedom of scientific and artistic expression,
the freedom to learn and to teach.
(2) Only scientists are entitled to decide in questions of scientific truth and to determine the scientific
value of research.
Article 70/H.
(1) All citizens of the Republic of Hungary have the obligation to defend their country.
(2) During a state of emergency, or if Parliament has so decided in a state of preventive defense
emergency by a majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Members of Parliament present, all men of legal
age and of Hungarian citizenship who reside in the territory of the Republic of Hungary may be conscripted
according to the provisions of law. Any person who seeks exemption from military service on religious
grounds shall be enlisted to perform civil service.

(3) Hungarian citizens of legal age who reside in the territory of the Republic of Hungary may be
compelled by law to participate in civil protection and, in a state of emergency, military work obligation.
(4) Natural and legal persons and unincorporated organizations may be compelled to perform economic
and material services.
(5) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Me mbers of Parliament present is required to pass the
law on the obligation to complete military service.
Article 70/I.
All natural persons, legal persons and unincorporated organizations have the obligation to contribute to
public revenues on the basis of their income and wealth.
Article 70/J.
In the Republic of Hungary parents and guardians have the obligation to ensure the education of their
young children.
Article 70/K.
Claims arising from infringement on fundamental rights, and objections to the decisions of public
authorities regarding the fulfillment of duties may be brought before a court of law.
Chapter XIII.
The Basic Principles of Elections
Article 71.
(1) Members of Parliament, Members of the European Parliament, local government representatives,
mayors and the mayor of the capital are elected by di rect, secret ballot by voting citizens, based on their
universal and equal right to vote.
(2) The members of the local government representativ e bodies of counties shall elect the president of
the representative body by direct, secret ballo t. The president must be a Hungarian citizen.
(3) Separate laws shall establish provisions for th e election of Members of Parliament, Members of the
European Parliament and members of representative bodies of local governments and mayors. A two-thirds
majority vote of the Members of Parliament present is required to pass such laws.
(4) A separate law shall establish provisions for the election of representatives of minority self-
governments. A two-thirds majority vote of the Memb ers of Parliament present is required to pass such
laws.
Articles 72-73.
Chapter XIV.
The Capital and National Symbols of the Republic of Hungary
Article 74.
The Capital of the Republic of Hungary is Budapest. Article 75.

The national anthem of the Republic of Hungary is the poem „Himnusz” by Ferenc Kölcsey, set to the
music of Ferenc Erkel.
Article 76.
(1) The National Flag of the Republic of Hungary is a tricolor consisting of horizontal red, white and
green bands of even width.
(2) The Coat of Arms of the Republic of Hungary is a vertically divided shield with a rounded base
coming to a point. The left field contains eight horizontal bars of red and silver. The right field has a
background of red and depicts a base of three green hills with a golden crown resting on the center hill and
a silver patriarchal cross issuing from the middle of the crown. The Holy Crown of St. Stephen rests on the
top of the shield.

(3) A majority of two-thirds of the votes of the Memb ers of Parliament is required to pass the law on the
Coat of Arms and National Flag of the Re public of Hungary and the use thereof.
Chapter XV.
Final Provisions
Article 77.
(1) This Constitution is the supreme law of the Republic of Hungary.
(2) This Constitution and laws and statutes established in accord ance with this Constitution are equally
binding for everybody of the country.
(3)
Article 78.
(1) The Constitution of the Republic of Hungary sha ll enter into effect on the day of its promulgation;
the Government shall ensure its implementation.
(2) The Government shall propose the Bills necessa ry to implement this Constitution to the Paliament.
Article 79.