The governing Fidesz party in Hungary has pushed through an amendment to the constitution despite international appeals to delay the move. Critics see it as another attempt by the Prime Minister Viktor Orban to concentrate power in his own hands. Nick Thorpe reports.
This is the fourth amendment to Hungary’s new basic law since it came into force just 14 months ago, a fact which helps underpin criticism that the new constitution was both hurried and flawed. The lengthy amendment overturns earlier constitutional court rulings and limits the court’s right in future to challenge laws passed by parliament. The government majority say this was necessary to make a clean break with the previous constitution. Critics at home and abroad say it dismantles the architecture of democracy established since the fall of communism.
The United States has expelled two Venezuelan diplomats in retaliation for the expulsion of two US military officials from Caracas last week. At the time Venezuela’s vice president accused the Americans of attempting to destabilise his country. The two countries haven’t had ambassadors in their respective capitals since 2010.
A law banning the sale of large-sized containers of sugary drinks in New York City has been overturned a day before it was due to come into effect. The regulation had been challenged by drinks manufacturers and other industry groups. The city authorities said they would appeal. They say the law is needed to fight high levels of obesity.