Thousands of Hungarians protest over 'slave law'

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Europe

00:44

Around 10,000 Hungarians protested in Budapest on Sunday against a new labor law promoted by the government that critics say will restrict workers' rights and undermine democracy.

Sunday's protest, called "Merry Xmas Mr. Prime Minister" by organizers, was the fourth and biggest demonstration in a week by leftist opposition parties, student groups and civilians against Orban's government. Trade unions also joined the rally.

They were opposing revised overtime rules that lawmakers approved Wednesday which increased the maximum amount of overtime workers can put in a year from 250 to 400 hours to offset Hungary's growing labor shortage. Critics call it a "slave law". The rules also gave employers three years instead of one to settle payments of accrued overtime.

People stand in front of the parliament building during a protest against a proposed new labor law in Budapest, Hungary, December 16, 2018. /VCG Photo

The protest that started on Wednesday night continued on Thursday and Friday. The demonstrations have evolved to encompass other policies of Orban's government, including another bill passed Wednesday that establishes a separate court for administrative matters concerning government business, such as tax and elections.

In crispy winter cold, protesters waved Hungarian and European Union flags as they walked from the historic Heroes' Square towards the parliament building holding up banners with slogans including "Don't steal" and "Independent courts!". The crowd swelled to around 10,000 by the time they reached the parliament building.

Civil rights watchdogs said the new law is the latest erosion of democratic institutions under Orban, who took power in 2010.

(Top image: A masked demonstrator attends a protest against a proposed new labor law in front of the Parliament building in Budapest, Hungary, December 14, 2018. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): AP ,Reuters