Minister János Martonyi called the extent of the reactions to the constitutional amendment “somewhat surprising” in the March 12, 2013 edition of the Financial Times.

The words of Hungary’s Foreign Minister were quoted in a comprehensive description about the constitutional amendment in the print issue of the London economic daily. „The amendments were intended to address concerns raised by the constitutional court in the past” – he said, adding that in some areas, the amendments expand the court’s role and powers.

In the interview, Minister Martonyi expressed his conviction that concerns over the changes would abate once the amendments were better scrutinised.

„I don’t want to dismiss all the points, because there are some issues that merit attention and discussion, but the point of departure was a misunderstanding,” he said. „The legislature felt the powers and sphere of competence of the constitutional court were extended and not reduced.”

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)