Hungary’s parliament on Monday approved a bill giving Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government extraordinary powers during the coronavirus pandemic, and setting no end date for them.
The bill was approved by Orban’s Fidesz party and other government supporters by 137 votes in favour to 53 against. It needed 133 votes to pass.
President Janos Ader signed the bill into law shortly after its approval in parliament and it will take effect from Tuesday.
The legislation has been criticized by opposition parties, international institutions and civic groups for failing include an expiration date for the government’s ability to rule by decree.