(1) This Constitution is the supreme law of Hungary.

(2) State power is exercised by separate legislative, executive, and judicial branches, which check and balance one another.

(3) The legislative, executive, and judicial authorities, and every other organ of the State, are bound by this Constitution and act within the limits of the powers it confers on them.

(4) A law or other legal act that is inconsistent with this Constitution has no force.

(5) Conformity with this Constitution is guaranteed by the Constitutional Court, which is established under Article 66 and exercises the powers set out in Article 68.

(1) The flag of Hungary is the red, white, and green tricolour.

(2) The coat of arms of Hungary is its historical coat of arms, as described in law.

(3) The national anthem of Hungary is the Himnusz.

(4) The capital of Hungary is Budapest.

(5) The national holidays are 15 March, 20 August, and 23 October. Further rules on the symbols and holidays are set out in law.

(1) The official language of Hungary is Hungarian.

(2) The State recognizes and protects the languages of the nationalities living in Hungary. Their use is guaranteed under conditions set by law.

(3) Hungary recognizes and supports Hungarian Sign Language.

(4) Language may not be a ground of discrimination, as provided in Article 8.

(1) No Hungarian citizen may be deprived of citizenship arbitrarily.

(2) Hungary protects its citizens, including during their stay abroad.

(3) The acquisition and loss of Hungarian citizenship are governed by Article 33.

(1) Human dignity is inviolable. The State shall respect and protect it.

(2) All fundamental rights set out in this Constitution flow from human dignity.

(3) Human dignity may not be restricted. Under Article 24 it may not be suspended or limited, even during a state of exception.

(1) Every person is equal before the law.

(2) No person may be discriminated against on grounds of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, colour, national or social origin, language, religion, political or other opinion, property, birth, age, disability, or other status.

(3) Women and men have equal rights. The State shall promote the achievement of equality between them in practice.

(4) The rights under this Article may be limited only as provided in Article 24.

(1) Every person has the right to life and to the integrity of person and mind.

(2) No person may be subjected to torture, or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

(3) The death penalty is prohibited.

(4) These rights may not be suspended or limited under Article 24, even during a state of exception.

(1) Every person has the right to personal liberty and security.

(2) No person may be deprived of liberty except on grounds and according to procedures established by law.

(3) Anyone deprived of liberty has the right to be informed promptly of the reasons, to a prompt judicial review of its lawfulness, and to legal assistance.

(4) The further guarantees of court proceedings are set out in Article 20, and this right may be limited only as provided in Article 24.

(1) Every person has the right to respect for private and family life, home, and correspondence.

(2) A search or a measure of surveillance may be authorized only by law and, where this Constitution or law so requires, by judicial order.

(3) The protection of personal data is set out in Article 12.

(4) This right may be limited only as provided in Article 24.

(1) Every person has the right to the protection of personal data concerning them.

(2) Personal data may be processed only with the consent of the person concerned, or on another lawful basis laid down by law.

(3) Compliance with the right to the protection of personal data is supervised by an independent authority, as set out in Article 85.

(1) Every person has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and belief, including the freedom to hold, adopt, or change a conviction.

(2) Every person has the right to manifest a religion or belief, alone or in community with others, in worship, teaching, practice, and observance.

(3) The State is neutral in matters of religion and belief and does not establish any religion or belief. Religious communities are separate from the State, have equal rights, and operate freely under law.

(4) The right of conscientious objection is recognized under conditions set out in law.

(5) The freedom to manifest a religion or belief may be limited only as provided in Article 24. The freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and belief itself may not be suspended, even during a state of exception.

(1) Every person has the right to express opinions freely, in speech, writing, image, or any other form.

(2) The freedom and the pluralism of the press and of the other media are guaranteed. There shall be no prior censorship.

(3) The protection of journalistic sources is guaranteed by law.

(4) Public-service broadcasting serves the public interest and operates independently of political control.

(5) Every person has the right of access to data of public interest held by public authorities, subject to limits set out in law.

(6) The rights under this Article may be limited only as provided in Article 24.

(1) Every person has the right to assemble peacefully and without weapons.

(2) An assembly in a public place may be made subject to prior notification under conditions set out in law, but not to prior permission.

(3) This right may be limited only as provided in Article 24.

(1) Every person has the right to form and to join associations, including political parties and trade unions, freely and without prior authorization.

(2) An association whose aims or means are contrary to the criminal law or to this Constitution may be dissolved only by decision of a court.

(3) This right may be limited only as provided in Article 24.

(1) Every person lawfully present in Hungary has the right to move freely and to choose their place of residence.

(2) Every Hungarian citizen has the right to leave Hungary and to return to it.

(3) This right may be limited only as provided in Article 24.

(1) The right to property is guaranteed.

(2) Property entails obligations; its use shall also serve the public good.

(3) Expropriation is permitted only in the public interest, on the basis of law, and against prompt and fair compensation.

(4) The right of inheritance is guaranteed.

(5) The right to property may be limited only as provided in Article 24.

(1) Every person has the right to choose an occupation freely and to pursue economic activity, subject to conditions set out in law.

(2) Forced labour is prohibited.

(3) The right to work and to fair working conditions is set out in Article 27. The freedoms under this Article may be limited only as provided in Article 24.

(1) Every person has the right of access to a court and to a fair and public hearing within a reasonable time. The court shall be an independent and impartial tribunal established by law. The courts that exercise this jurisdiction are set out in Articles 60 and 61.

(2) Every person charged with a criminal offence has the right:

(a) to be informed promptly of the charge;

(b) to legal assistance, including free legal assistance where the interests of justice so require;

(c) to examine witnesses; and

(d) to a reasoned decision.

(3) Every person whose rights are violated by public authority has the right to an effective remedy before a court.

(4) The rights under this Article may be limited only as provided in Article 24.

(1) No person may be punished except on the basis of a law that was in force at the time of the act and defined the act as an offence.

(2) No penalty heavier than the one applicable at the time of the act may be imposed. Where the law in force after the act provides a lighter penalty, that law applies.

(3) Every person charged with an offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law.

(4) The principle of legality in criminal matters may not be suspended or limited under Article 24, even during a state of exception.

(1) Every Hungarian citizen of voting age has the right to vote and to stand for election, under the conditions set out in law. Elections are held in accordance with the electoral principles of Article 75.

(2) The voting age is not higher than eighteen years.

(3) Every Hungarian citizen has equal access to public office, on the basis of qualification.

(4) Citizens have the right to take part in public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives, including through the referendum under Article 77.

(1) Every person has the right to address petitions or complaints to public authorities and to receive a reasoned reply within a reasonable time.

(2) Every person has the right to have their affairs handled by public authorities impartially, fairly, and within a reasonable time.

(3) The Commissioner for Fundamental Rights, under Article 84, helps to protect these rights.

(1) A fundamental right may be limited only by law, and only in pursuit of a legitimate aim recognized by this Constitution. A limitation is permitted only where it is necessary to achieve that aim and proportionate to it. A law limiting a fundamental right shall apply generally and not to a single case.

(2) The essential content of a fundamental right may not be restricted.

(3) No state of exception declared under Article 88, and no exercise of emergency powers under Article 89, may suspend or limit:

(a) human dignity, under Article 7;

(b) the right to life and to the integrity of person and mind, including the prohibition of torture, under Article 9;

(c) freedom of conscience, religion, and belief, under Article 13; and

(d) the principle of legality in criminal matters, under Article 21.

(4) Some rights under this Constitution are reserved to Hungarian citizens. Such a right extends to nationals of other member states of the European Union, and to other foreigners, only as this Constitution or a treaty binding on Hungary expressly provides.

(1) Every person has the right to education.

(2) Primary education is free and compulsory.

(3) The State shall provide the conditions for access to secondary and to higher education. Access to higher education rests on ability.

(4) Academic freedom and the freedom of scientific research are guaranteed.

(1) Every person has the right to the protection of their health.

(2) The State shall organize a health-care system accessible to all.

(3) The State shall promote public health, healthy living conditions, and a safe environment.

(1) Every person has the right to work and to a freely chosen occupation, as set out in Article 19, and to fair and safe working conditions.

(2) Every worker has the right to just remuneration, to rest and leisure, and to protection against unfair dismissal, under conditions set out in law.

(3) The State shall promote full and productive employment.

(4) Workers have the right to organize in trade unions, to bargain collectively, and to take industrial action, under conditions set out in law.

(1) The State shall maintain a system of social security.

(2) The system covers at least old age, disability, sickness, parenthood, and unemployment.

(3) The terms of the system are set out in law, and reflect the principles of solidarity and personal contribution.

(1) Marriage and the family enjoy the protection of the State.

(2) The right and the duty of parents to raise and provide for their children are protected. In these matters the best interests of the child, under Article 30, are a primary consideration.

(3) The forms of marriage and of family relationships are set out in ordinary law.

(1) Every child has the right to the care and protection necessary for their well-being.

(2) In all actions concerning children, whether by public authorities or by private institutions, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration.

(3) The protection of the family, within which children are raised, is set out in Article 29.

(1) The State shall promote the autonomy, social participation, and inclusion of persons with disabilities and of the elderly.

(2) The State shall ensure conditions appropriate to their dignity.

(3) These persons enjoy the equal protection guaranteed by Article 8.

(1) The State shall protect the natural environment, biodiversity, and the cultural heritage for present and future generations.

(2) Every person has the right to a healthy environment.

(3) Every person shares responsibility for protecting the environment. Those who cause environmental damage bear the cost of restoring it.

(1) Hungarian citizenship is acquired primarily by descent. Naturalization is available under conditions set out in law.

(2) No Hungarian citizen may be deprived of citizenship arbitrarily. A citizen by birth may not be deprived of citizenship without their consent.

(3) No Hungarian citizen may be expelled from the territory of Hungary.

(4) The principles of citizenship are set out in Article 6.

(1) Foreigners present in Hungary enjoy the fundamental rights set out in this Constitution, except those expressly reserved to Hungarian citizens.

(2) Stateless persons enjoy protection on the basis of international law and of law.

(3) The collective expulsion of foreigners is prohibited.

(4) The right of asylum is set out in Article 35.

(1) Hungary grants asylum on the conditions set out in law and in the international agreements binding on Hungary. Every application for asylum is examined individually.

(2) No person may be returned to a country where they would face a real risk of persecution, or of treatment contrary to Article 9.

(3) Foreigners and stateless persons are otherwise protected under Article 34.

(1) Every person in Hungary owes loyalty to this Constitution and to the laws of Hungary.

(2) Citizens have the duty to contribute to public burdens according to their ability.

(3) Citizens have the duty to defend Hungary, under conditions set out in law.

(1) The National Assembly is the supreme representative body of the People.

(2) The National Assembly consists of one hundred and ninety-nine members, elected as provided in Article 38.

(3) Members of the National Assembly exercise their mandate freely and according to their conscience, and are not bound by any instruction. Their status and immunity are set out in Article 39.

(1) The members of the National Assembly are elected for a term of four years, by universal, equal, direct, and secret suffrage, in accordance with Article 75.

(2) The electoral system is proportional, or mixed with a proportional element. The detailed rules of election are set out in a cardinal Act (Article 43).

(3) The participation of the nationalities living in Hungary in the work of the National Assembly is guaranteed, as set out in the cardinal Act.

(1) A member of the National Assembly may not be held liable before any court or authority for a vote cast or an opinion expressed in the exercise of the mandate. This immunity continues after the mandate has ended.

(2) Criminal proceedings may be brought against a member only with the consent of the National Assembly, unless the member is caught in the act of committing an offence.

(3) The National Assembly may give that consent only by a majority of five-sixths of the members voting.

(4) No person may be prevented from accepting or exercising the mandate of a member.

(1) The National Assembly meets in ordinary session in accordance with its rules of procedure. It may be convened in extraordinary session in the cases set out in this Constitution and in those rules. At the request of one-fifth of the members, the Speaker of the National Assembly convenes an extraordinary session within fifteen days.

(2) The sittings of the National Assembly are public. A sitting may be closed only in the cases set out in the rules of procedure, by a majority of two-thirds of all the members.

(3) The National Assembly adopts its own rules of procedure.

(4) A decision of the National Assembly is valid only if a majority of its members is present.

(5) The National Assembly takes its decisions by a majority of the votes cast, unless this Constitution or a cardinal Act (Article 43) requires a higher majority.

(1) The National Assembly may establish standing and ad hoc committees. The seats on committees reflect the proportions of the political groups in the National Assembly.

(2) The National Assembly may set up committees of inquiry. A committee of inquiry has the right to require information, documents, and the testimony of witnesses, as set out in a cardinal Act (Article 43).

(3) A committee of inquiry shall be established at the request of one-quarter of the members of the National Assembly.

(1) A law may be initiated by:

(a) the Government;

(b) any member of the National Assembly;

(c) a committee of the National Assembly; or

(d) citizens, under the conditions set out in Article 78.

(2) Laws are adopted by the National Assembly. A cardinal Act is adopted as provided in Article 43.

(3) The President of the Republic promulgates an adopted law within fifteen days; this power is among those set out in Article 50. Within that period the President may instead, and only once for the same law:

(a) return the law to the National Assembly with reasoned objections; or

(b) refer the law to the Constitutional Court, under Article 66, to examine its conformity with this Constitution.

(4) One-third of the members of the National Assembly may likewise refer an adopted law to the Constitutional Court before its promulgation. The Court decides such a referral as a priority matter; promulgation is suspended while the referral is pending.

(5) Where a returned law is adopted again by the National Assembly, the President promulgates it. Where a referred law is found by the Constitutional Court to conform with this Constitution, the President promulgates it. Where the President neither promulgates a law nor acts under paragraph (3) within the fifteen days, the Speaker of the National Assembly signs and promulgates it.

(6) The state budget is adopted under Article 44, and international treaties are ratified under Article 45.

(1) A cardinal Act is a law adopted by a majority of two-thirds of all the members of the National Assembly.

(2) A cardinal Act may govern only the matters that this Constitution reserves to it. Those matters are, exhaustively:

(a) the electoral system (Article 38);

(b) the rules of the National Assembly’s committees of inquiry (Article 41);

(c) the procedure of the Constitutional Court (Article 69);

(d) the rules of the National Election Commission (Article 76);

(e) the public-debt exceptions for extraordinary circumstances (Article 81);

(f) the establishment of specialized commissioners (Article 85);

(g) the establishment of independent regulatory authorities (Article 86);

(h) the framework of the states of exception (Articles 88, 89, 90, and 91); and

(i) the rules of Hungary’s participation in the European Union (Article 94).

(3) No other matter may be governed by a cardinal Act, and no matter reserved to a cardinal Act may be regulated by ordinary law.

(1) The National Assembly adopts the state budget each year, on the proposal of the Government.

(2) If the state budget is not adopted before the start of the financial year, expenditure continues on the basis of the previous budget. That expenditure is scaled to each month, until a new budget is adopted.

(3) The further rules governing the state budget are set out in Article 80.

(1) The President of the Republic represents Hungary in international relations and concludes international treaties.

(2) A treaty requires ratification by the National Assembly if it affects fundamental rights, binds the public finances, or concerns a matter reserved to legislation. Hungary is bound by such a treaty only upon ratification. A treaty transferring competences to the European Union is subject to Article 94.

(3) The place of international law and of treaties in the legal order of Hungary is set out in Articles 92 and 93.

(1) The Government is collectively responsible to the National Assembly.

(2) Members of the National Assembly may address questions and interpellations to the Government and to its members, who shall reply within the time the rules of procedure set.

(3) Further means of oversight, including the vote of no confidence, are set out in Article 57. The Government exercises its powers under Article 58 subject to this accountability.

(1) The term of the National Assembly ends when the National Assembly elected at the next general election holds its first sitting.

(2) The President of the Republic may dissolve the National Assembly only in the cases set out in this Constitution. This power is among the duties set out in Article 50.

(3) The National Assembly may not be dissolved during a state of exception, nor while a vote of no confidence under Article 57 is pending.

(1) The President of the Republic is the head of state. The President represents the unity of the nation and is the guardian of this Constitution.

(2) The President is elected by the National Assembly for a term of five years.

(3) Election requires a majority of two-thirds of all the members of the National Assembly. If no candidate obtains that majority in two ballots, a third ballot elects the candidate who obtains the votes of a majority of all the members.

(4) Before assuming office, the President takes the oath of office before the National Assembly. The text of the oath is set out in law.

(5) The term and replacement of the President are governed by Article 49, and the powers and duties of the President by Article 50.

(1) The President of the Republic may be re-elected once.

(2) If the office of President falls vacant, or if the President is unable to act, the Speaker of the National Assembly exercises the functions of the President. The Speaker does so until a new President is elected or the President is again able to act.

(1) The President of the Republic:

(a) promulgates laws, and may return or refer them, as provided in Article 42;

(b) represents Hungary in international relations and concludes treaties, as provided in Article 45;

(c) accredits and receives diplomatic representatives;

(d) may dissolve the National Assembly in the cases set out in Article 47;

(e) convenes the National Assembly in extraordinary session;

(f) exercises the power of pardon in individual cases, under conditions set out in law;

(g) awards state honours; and

(h) exercises the further powers conferred by this Constitution, including those in a state of exception under Article 88.

(2) The acts of the President require countersignature as provided in Article 51.

(1) An act of the President of the Republic is valid only with the countersignature of the Prime Minister or of the responsible Minister.

(2) Countersignature is not required for the President’s own acts of constitutional guardianship, namely:

(a) proposing or appointing the Prime Minister;

(b) dissolving the National Assembly;

(c) returning a law to the National Assembly, or referring it to the Constitutional Court;

(d) convening the National Assembly in extraordinary session; and

(e) addressing the National Assembly.

(3) By countersigning, the Prime Minister or the responsible Minister assumes responsibility for the act before the National Assembly.

(1) The President of the Republic may be removed from office only by the Constitutional Court.

(2) Removal proceedings may be initiated only by a resolution of two-thirds of the members of the National Assembly. They may be initiated only for a grave violation of this Constitution, or for the commission of a serious criminal offence.

(3) The Constitutional Court decides the matter under the jurisdiction set out in Articles 66 and 68. While the proceedings are pending, the Court may suspend the President from the exercise of office.

(1) The Government conducts the executive functions of the State.

(2) The Government consists of the Prime Minister and the Ministers.

(3) The Prime Minister heads the Government, as set out in Article 55; the Ministers head the ministries, as set out in Article 56.

(1) After a general election, or when the office of Prime Minister otherwise falls vacant, the President of the Republic proposes a candidate for Prime Minister to the National Assembly. The office of Prime Minister is set out in Article 55.

(2) The candidate is elected if a majority of all the members of the National Assembly vote in favour.

(3) If no candidate is elected within sixty days, after three attempts, the President dissolves the National Assembly. This period may be shortened by law. The period, and the duty to dissolve, are suspended during a state of exception.

(4) The outgoing Government remains in office until the new Government takes office. In that time it conducts only the ordinary affairs of administration.

(5) A change of Prime Minister may also occur through a vote of no confidence under Article 57.

(1) The Prime Minister directs the work of the Government and bears political responsibility for its policy.

(2) The Prime Minister determines the general guidelines of the Government’s policy. Within those guidelines, each Minister conducts the affairs of their ministry on their own responsibility, as set out in Article 56.

(3) The Prime Minister appoints and dismisses the Ministers, and may propose changes in the structure of the ministries.

(1) The Ministers head the ministries.

(2) Each Minister is responsible for the affairs of their portfolio and is accountable to the National Assembly.

(3) The structure of the ministries is set out in law.

(1) The National Assembly may express no confidence in the Prime Minister only by electing a successor, by a majority of all its members. On that election, the Prime Minister tenders the resignation of the Government, and the successor takes office.

(2) A motion of no confidence names a candidate for successor, and requires the support of at least one-fifth of the members of the National Assembly.

(3) The Prime Minister may ask the National Assembly for a vote of confidence. If confidence is refused and no successor is elected, the President may dissolve the National Assembly under Article 47.

(1) The Government directs domestic and foreign policy and the civil administration.

(2) The Government directs the armed forces, subject to Articles 87 and 88.

(3) The Government issues regulations within the limits set by law. A regulation may not conflict with a law.

(1) Public administration acts according to law, impartially, and in the service of the public interest.

(2) The civil service rests on merit, professionalism, and political neutrality.

(3) The detailed rules of the civil service are set out in law.

(1) Judicial power is exercised by independent courts established by law, within the structure set out in Article 61.

(2) Judges are independent and subject only to this Constitution and to the law. They may not be instructed in the exercise of their judicial functions.

(3) No public authority may determine how a court decides an individual case. No authority other than a court may determine how cases are distributed among judges.

(4) The status of judges is governed by Article 62 and the administration of the judiciary by Article 63.

(1) The court system consists of the Curia, the regional courts of appeal, and the courts of first instance.

(2) The Curia is the supreme judicial body of the ordinary court system.

(3) Specialized courts for particular fields, including administrative justice, may be established by law only within the structure set out in paragraph (1).

(4) Extraordinary courts may not be established.

(1) Judges are appointed for an indefinite term, until the retirement age set by law.

(2) A law that lowers the retirement age of judges applies only to judges appointed after its entry into force.

(3) A judge may be removed, suspended, transferred without consent, or otherwise sanctioned only on the grounds and under the procedures set out in law. Such a decision may be taken only by a court or by the National Council of the Judiciary under Article 63.

(4) Judges may not be members of a political party, hold political office, or engage in political activity.

(1) The administration of the judiciary is conducted by the National Council of the Judiciary.

(2) The Council consists of judges elected by their peers and of further members elected by a majority of two-thirds of all the members of the National Assembly. The judges elected by their peers form the majority of the Council. A member elected by the National Assembly remains in office until the successor takes office; where such a seat has been unfilled for one year, election requires a majority of three-fifths of all the members.

(3) The Council appoints judges and decides on their assignment, promotion, and discipline.

(4) The administration of the courts may not be concentrated in a single official.

(1) The Public Prosecution Service exercises the State’s authority to prosecute criminal offences. It represents the public interest in the proceedings set out by law.

(2) The Prosecutor General heads the Public Prosecution Service.

(3) The Prosecutor General is appointed on the nomination of the National Council of the Judiciary under Article 63, subject to confirmation by the National Assembly.

(4) The term of the Prosecutor General is nine years and may not be renewed.

(5) The Prosecutor General may be removed before the end of the term only on the grounds, and by the procedure, that Article 62(3) provides for judges.

(6) The Public Prosecution Service exercises its functions subject only to the law.

(1) The legal profession is independent.

(2) Lawyers and their bar associations regulate themselves under the conditions set by law.

(1) The Constitutional Court is the body that interprets and protects this Constitution. It is independent and bound only by this Constitution.

(2) The Constitutional Court consists of fifteen justices. The Court exercises the powers set out in Article 68, and its justices are elected for the term provided in Article 67.

(1) The justices of the Constitutional Court are elected by the National Assembly by a majority of two-thirds of all its members.

(2) The National Assembly elects each justice from among the candidates put forward, for that office, by a nominating body in which judges elected by their peers form the majority. It may not elect a person who has not been so nominated. The nomination process is set out in law.

(3) A justice is elected for a single term of nine years and may not be re-elected.

(4) One-third of the justices is renewed every three years.

(5) Only a jurist of high standing may be elected as a justice.

(6) A justice remains in office until the successor takes office. Where a seat has been unfilled for one year, election requires a majority of three-fifths of all the members.

(1) The Constitutional Court rules on:

(a) the conformity of laws with this Constitution;

(b) the conformity of other legal acts of public authority with this Constitution and with the laws;

(c) individual constitutional complaints, brought under Article 69 by persons whose fundamental rights have been violated;

(d) disputes between organs of the State concerning their constitutional powers;

(e) the constitutionality of the aims and the activities of political parties; and

(f) any other matter expressly conferred upon it by this Constitution.

(2) Law may confer further powers on the Constitutional Court. The powers conferred on the Court by this Constitution may not be withdrawn or curtailed by law.

(3) The effects of the decisions of the Constitutional Court are set out in Article 70.

(1) Every person whose fundamental right has been violated by a final decision of a court or of an administrative authority may bring an individual constitutional complaint to the Constitutional Court, after exhausting the ordinary remedies available against that decision.

(2) Review of the conformity of a law with this Constitution may be requested by one-fifth of the members of the National Assembly, by the President of the Republic, by the Government, or by the Commissioner for Fundamental Rights.

(3) The detailed rules of procedure before the Constitutional Court, and the conditions of access to it, are set out in a cardinal Act. That Act may not deny the right of individual complaint guaranteed by paragraph (1), and may widen but not narrow the standing set out in paragraph (2).

(1) The decisions of the Constitutional Court are final and binding on all public authorities and on all persons. No appeal lies against them.

(2) Where the Constitutional Court finds that a law is contrary to this Constitution, the law ceases to have effect on the day the decision is published. The Court may instead set a different date or determine other temporal effects.

(3) A justice may attach a dissenting or concurring opinion to a decision. The opinion is published with the decision.

(1) Local communities have the right of self-government. They administer their affairs through elected councils, within the framework of law.

(2) Public responsibilities are exercised, so far as practicable, by the level of government closest to the citizen at which they can be discharged effectively.

(3) The structure of local self-government is set out in Article 72 and its powers in Article 73.

(1) Hungary is divided into municipalities and counties. The municipality is the basic unit of local self-government.

(2) Each local community has a representative body elected by universal, equal, direct, and secret suffrage. The representative body is elected for a term of five years.

(3) Each local community has a mayor or a president of the council, elected as set out in law.

(4) The capital, Budapest, is a municipality that also performs the functions of a county. Its division into districts is set out in law.

(1) Local governments manage the local public affairs of their territory. These include local services, planning, local taxes within the limits of law, and other matters conferred on them by law.

(2) The boundaries of a local community may not be altered without consulting the community concerned.

(3) A law directed at a single named local community has no effect without the consent of that community.

(4) The finances and supervision of local governments are governed by Article 74.

(1) Local governments dispose of their own revenues. They receive transfers from the central budget sufficient, as determined under criteria set out in law, for the performance of their tasks.

(2) Where a law confers a new task on local governments, it shall provide the resources required to perform it.

(3) State supervision of local governments is limited to the verification of legality. It may not impede their initiative or freedom of action.

(1) Elections in Hungary are universal, equal, direct, free, and secret.

(2) The right to vote and to stand for election is governed by Article 22 and by law.

(3) The election of the National Assembly is governed by Article 38, and the administration of elections and referenda by Article 76.

(1) Elections and referenda are administered by an independent National Election Commission. Its composition guarantees its independence from political authorities, as set out in a cardinal Act.

(2) Constituency boundaries are drawn by an independent Boundary Commission established under the same cardinal Act.

(3) Constituencies are drawn on the basis of equality of the population represented and of territorial coherence.

(4) A cardinal Act regulating the electoral system under Article 38, including constituency boundaries, takes effect no earlier than one year after its promulgation. It may not be amended within the twelve months before a general election.

(5) A law regulating local elections takes effect no earlier than one year after its promulgation. It may not be amended within the twelve months before a local election.

(1) A referendum may be initiated by the National Assembly, by the Government, or by two hundred thousand registered voters.

(2) Where two hundred thousand registered voters initiate a referendum, the National Assembly shall order it.

(3) A referendum may not concern the state budget, taxes, obligations under ratified international treaties, or the personal status of officeholders. Nor may a referendum limit a fundamental right or concern the subjects that Article 97 protects.

(4) A referendum is valid if one answer is supported by a majority of the valid votes and by at least one-third of all registered voters.

(5) The decision of a valid referendum binds the National Assembly, for the period and under the conditions set out in law. Within the parliamentary term in which the decision was made, it may not be reversed.

(1) One hundred thousand registered voters may submit a legislative initiative to the National Assembly.

(2) The National Assembly shall consider the initiative on its merits within six months and shall reply with reasons.

(1) Public revenues and expenditures rest on the principles of legality, equity, transparency, and sustainability.

(2) Taxes may be imposed only by law. Under the law, every person contributes to public expenditure according to ability.

(3) A law that creates or increases a public expenditure shall identify the resources to meet it, as verified under the procedure set out in law.

(4) The state budget is governed by Article 80, public debt by Article 81, the National Bank of Hungary by Article 82, and the State Audit Office by Article 83.

(1) The Government prepares the draft state budget and the final accounts of its execution.

(2) The National Assembly adopts the state budget and approves the final accounts under the procedure set out in Article 44. Detailed rules are set out in law.

(1) Public debt shall be maintained at a level consistent with sustainability and with the obligations of Hungary under European Union law.

(2) Exceptions for extraordinary circumstances are set out in a cardinal Act. Recourse to an exception requires the approval of a majority of all the members of the National Assembly.

(1) The National Bank of Hungary is the central bank of the State.

(2) The Bank is independent in the performance of its mandate. Its mandate is set out in law, in conformity with the obligations of Hungary under European Union law.

(3) The Bank may not finance public expenditure.

(1) The State Audit Office is the supreme financial and audit body of the National Assembly. It audits the execution of the state budget and the management of public funds and national assets.

(2) The Office reports to the National Assembly. Its reports are public.

(3) The president of the State Audit Office is elected by a majority of two-thirds of all the members of the National Assembly. The president’s term is nine years and may not be renewed.

(4) The president and auditors of the State Audit Office enjoy the independence of judges in the performance of their duties.

(5) The president remains in office until the successor takes office. Where the office has been vacant for one year, election requires a majority of three-fifths of all the members.

(1) The Commissioner for Fundamental Rights protects the fundamental rights of persons and investigates complaints against public authorities. Any person may apply to the Commissioner.

(2) The Commissioner is elected by a majority of two-thirds of all the members of the National Assembly, for a non-renewable term of six years.

(3) The Commissioner is independent in the exercise of the mandate and reports annually to the National Assembly.

(4) The Commissioner may apply to the Constitutional Court, under the conditions set out in law. The law may not subject the application to prior conditions.

(5) The Commissioner remains in office until the successor takes office. Where the office has been vacant for one year, election requires a majority of three-fifths of all the members.

(1) Specialized commissioners may be established by cardinal Act to protect particular rights or sectors. These include the rights of children, the rights of the nationalities living in Hungary, and the protection of personal data.

(2) Specialized commissioners are independent in the exercise of their mandates.

(1) Independent regulatory authorities may be established by cardinal Act for sectors that require expertise and insulation from short-term political pressures. These sectors include the media, competition, electronic communications, and financial supervision.

(2) Their independence is guaranteed by law.

(3) The cardinal Act shall guarantee, through the composition of these authorities, the terms of their members, and their staggered renewal, that no single political force can determine their decisions.

(1) The armed forces serve the defence of Hungary and the protection of its territory, its sovereignty, and its population. They also serve the fulfilment of Hungary’s international obligations.

(2) The armed forces are subject to civilian command.

(3) The declaration of a state of war and the use of emergency powers are governed by Articles 88 and 89.

(1) A state of exception is a state of war, a state of emergency, or a state of natural disaster. The conditions for declaring each are defined by a cardinal Act.

(2) A state of exception is declared by the National Assembly. The declaration requires a majority of two-thirds of all the members of the National Assembly.

(3) The declaration states its grounds, its territorial scope, and its duration.

(4) Where the Speaker of the National Assembly certifies that the National Assembly cannot convene in time, the President of the Republic may declare a temporary state of exception. The declaration lapses unless the National Assembly confirms it within fifteen days under paragraph (2).

(5) Powers during a state of exception are governed by Article 89, its oversight by Article 90, and its termination by Article 91.

(1) During a state of exception, the Government may, on the basis of the cardinal Act provided for in Article 88, take the measures necessary to address the emergency. Each measure shall be proportionate to the danger it addresses.

(2) A measure may limit fundamental rights only as permitted by Article 24. The non-derogable rights set out in Article 24(3) may not be suspended or limited.

(3) The National Assembly continues to sit during a state of exception. It may not be dissolved.

(4) Measures taken under this Article are subject to the review provided in Article 90.

(1) The Constitutional Court continues to exercise its full jurisdiction during a state of exception.

(2) The courts continue to function during a state of exception.

(3) Measures taken during a state of exception are subject to judicial review of their conformity with this Constitution.

(4) The Constitutional Court decides on the review of a declaration of a state of exception as a priority matter.

(1) A state of exception terminates upon the expiry of its declared term, upon the decision of the National Assembly, or when the conditions justifying it cease.

(2) A state of exception may be prolonged only by a new declaration, adopted in the same manner as the first.

(3) No general election, local election, or referendum may be held during a state of exception or within ninety days after its termination. An electoral term that would expire in that period is extended until the election is held.

(4) Measures taken during a state of exception cease to have effect on its termination, unless specifically continued by law.

(1) The generally recognized rules of international law form part of the legal order of Hungary.

(2) Hungary performs its obligations under international law in good faith. The status of international treaties is governed by Article 93.

(1) International treaties ratified by Hungary form part of its legal order.

(2) In accordance with their terms, ratified treaties have precedence over conflicting ordinary law.

(1) Hungary is a member of the European Union. It participates in the Union for the purpose of the common exercise of competences set out in the Treaties.

(2) The Treaties and the law of the European Union take effect in Hungary in accordance with their terms.

(3) The National Assembly participates in matters of European Union law as set out in a cardinal Act.

(4) The transfer of further competences to the European Union requires the consent of the National Assembly by a majority of two-thirds of all its members.

(1) Hungary cooperates with other states and with international organizations in the pursuit of peace, justice, human rights, the rule of law, and the protection of the environment.

(1) An amendment to this Constitution may be initiated by the President of the Republic, by the Government, or by one-fifth of the members of the National Assembly.

(2) An amendment requires adoption by a majority of two-thirds of all the members of the National Assembly, in two readings separated by at least sixty days.

(3) An amendment is also submitted to a national referendum where it affects the provisions enumerated in Article 97, other than to extend their protection. The same applies to an amendment of this Article or of Article 38, and to an amendment that extends the matters reserved to a cardinal Act under Article 43.

(4) An amendment requiring a referendum is adopted only if it is approved by a majority of the valid votes and by at least one-third of all registered voters.

(5) No amendment may be initiated or adopted during a state of exception declared under Article 88.

(6) An adopted amendment is promulgated under Article 42, after the referendum where one is required.

(1) Certain provisions of this Constitution may not be amended in a manner that affects their essential content.

(2) They are the provisions concerning:

(a) human dignity;

(b) the rule of law;

(c) the democratic and parliamentary character of the State;

(d) the separation of the branches of state power; and

(e) the review jurisdiction of the Constitutional Court.

(3) A provision concerns a subject in paragraph (2) where its amendment would diminish the protection that subject enjoys under this Constitution.

(1) This Constitution enters into force on the date set out in its proclamation, and no later than one year after its promulgation.

(2) On that date, the Fundamental Law of Hungary of 2011 and its amendments cease to have effect.

(1) Laws and other legal acts in force on the date this Constitution enters into force remain in force, to the extent that they are not contrary to it.

(1) Officeholders elected or appointed under prior law continue in office until the expiry of their term, or until their successors are designated under this Constitution, whichever is sooner.

(2) The procedures of this Constitution apply to all elections and appointments occurring after its entry into force.

(1) Detailed transitional measures bridging the institutions, offices, and laws existing on the day this Constitution enters into force are set out in a transitional constitutional Act. That Act is adopted with the same majority required for the adoption of this Constitution.

(2) The transitional constitutional Act provides, in particular, for:

(a) the staggered first appointments to the Constitutional Court (Articles 66 and 67);

(b) the first election of the President of the Republic under this Constitution (Article 48);

(c) the first general election of the National Assembly (Article 38); and

(d) the bridging of laws in force that are directed at a single named local community (Article 73).

(3) The Act also provides for the review of the cardinal Acts in force on that day for their conformity with this Constitution. The cardinal Acts that Articles 81 and 88 require are confirmed or replaced before this Constitution enters into force. A cardinal Act not confirmed within the period the transitional constitutional Act fixes ceases to have effect.

(4) The transitional constitutional Act fixes the duration of its measures and ceases to have effect when they have been carried out.