The instructions cannot contain such provisions," the press officer of the Parliament reacted to press reports according to which the deputies are obliged to be vaccinated.Continue reading
Although vaccination has become compulsory for employees of the Hungarian Parliament, the rule does not apply to Members of Parliament, as they are not employed by the National Assembly. To resolve the problematic situation, independent MP János Bencsik has submitted a motion to make vaccination compulsory for all MPs.
In Hungary, the Orbán-led government has given the right to employers to make vaccination compulsory as a condition of (further) employment. According to the recent decision of the head of the National Assembly’s office, workers in parliament will also be obligated to receive the coronavirus vaccine. However, as it turns out, the decision does not apply to MPs, who are not in the employment of the parliament. With the lack of another law or decision by the Orbán administration, they are not obliged to be inoculated.
In response to this controversial situation, independent MP János Bencsik has submitted a motion to make vaccination compulsory for all members of parliament.
“I think in the current situation this is not just an option for us. It is our duty,” Bencsik announced on social media.
“I know that the vast majority of my fellow MPs have already been administered the vaccine in the last ten months. But now is the time to take a symbolic act of solidarity with our fellow citizens who have acted responsibly in the fight against the epidemic and to encourage those who still have doubts,” the independent lawmaker wrote.
Bencsik calls on parliament to be braver than the Orbán-led government, which has put the weight of the decision on the shoulders of employers.
“Let us take responsibility and lead by example! If a shop assistant or a bus driver can be forced to be vaccinated, then so should Members of Parliament!”, Bencsik concluded.
Featured photo by Zoltán Balogh/MTI