Hungary proposes new constitution changes to soothe EU fears

(BUDAPEST) - Hungary proposed new changes to its controversial constitution Friday that it said should calm European Union fears that basic rights are being eroded in the former communist country.

"The government wants to do away with those... problems which have served as an excuse for attacks on Hungary," a statement from the prime minister's office said.

The proposal tweaks passages in the constitution covering election campaigning, official church status and the judiciary, among others: all issues that have drawn international criticism, especially from the EU.

The statement said the amendment takes into account the opinions and recommendations of both the European Commission and the Venice Commission, an advisory body to the Council of Europe.

Critics have charged that the new constitution -- passed by Prime Minister Viktor Orban's rightwing government after its arrival in power in 2010 -- allows the government to wield too much power, override Constitutional Court decisions and threaten basic rights.

Orban, on the other hand, insists the constitution contains reforms necessary to complete Hungary's transition from communism which it began in 1989.

In July, the European Parliament called for Hungary to "correct" certain constitutional provisions including measures which limited judicial independence, reduced the definition of a family to heterosexual marriage and allowed authorities to fine the homeless.

If Hungary is found to be in breach of the EU's legal framework, it risks having its voting rights in the 28-member bloc suspended.

The new proposed amendment -- the fifth since the new constitution came into force in 2012 -- has been sent to parliament and will be voted on by parliament in September, Friday's statement said.