The Home Defence Act No. 105 of 2004 was amended unanimously by the Hungarian Parliament on October 11.

Minister of Defence Csaba Hende introduced the bill saying: ’’The Hungarian government should ensure more effective means to eliminate the disaster. “
Concerning the amendment the minister outlined: ’’In accordance with the provisions of the Hungarian Constitution the government makes a proposal to amend the Home Defence Act No.105 of 2004. The government should have the power to take over any company involved in state of emergency.”
Finally Minister of Defence told parliament that in case of passing the bill the government would take over MAL ZRt., the Hungarian Aluminium Production and Trade Company, because the safe restart of production at the alumina plant was needed to save the jobs of more than a thousand workers. Moreover state oversight would protect jobs, ensure MAL ZRt. pays damages and enable authorities to hold accountable those responsible for the accident.

 Text: Dóra Darnyik