Hungary's government granted new anti-terror powers

The amendment has been criticised by opposition groups and civil organisations

Hungary's parliament has granted the government the right to seek temporary extra powers if it believes the country faces a heightened terrorist threat.

These include more public surveillance and increased scope to use the army. Any request from the government would have to be approved by MPs and the new powers could be used for up to 15 days.


Critics said there was no justification for the constitutional change and opposition politicians have warned that the powers could be misused.

The BBC's Nick Thorpe in Budapest says the amendment - the sixth to Hungary's five-year-old constitution - is a watered down version of an earlier draft, which opposition parties opposed unanimously.