Hungarian leader defends new constitution

Published on Wednesday 8 February 2012 01:08

Hungary’s prime minister defended his nation’s new constitution yesterday and questioned the motives of those who are criticising it.

The critics include the European Commission, which has legally challenged the document and related legislation that took effect on 1 January, saying they undermined the independence of Hungary’s central bank and the judiciary, and did not respect data privacy principles.

In his speech, prime minister Viktor Orban said the new constitution would be defended “by all means” because it offered solutions to Hungary’s problems.

He also claimed that its critics were financially motivated by interests in Hungary’s resources.