Even though Fidesz has moved relatively swiftly in presenting its draft of the constitution, in light of the fact that it wants to have it passed by the end of April it does not leave much time for actually debating it. And there appears to be plenty to debate: even beyond the pronounced right-wing rhetoric in the preamble, which the left just will have to learn to live with, there are some major substantial issues pertaining for example to Hungary’s self-understanding as a social state, as well as issues regarding checks and balances and quality of democracy.

Once Fidesz had completely abandoned its hope that the opposition would rejoin the process of drawing up a constitution, it moved with stunning speed to present its own draft. From early on Fidesz had set an ambitious deadline for completing the constitution, which also explains why the draft was published posthaste. As things stand now, the opposition will have no input in the wording of the final draft.

Policy Solutions' analysis on the draft constitution can be downloaded from here.