A public demonstration took place at the Kossuth Square in Budapest, Hungary, on Saturday, as concerned citizens protested the recently announced changes to education law in the country.
Students in Hungary are also planning a national strike in September, in response to the recent law revisions.
The protests are nationwide, and even the opposition groups have expressed concerns about Viktor Orbán’s educational policy amendments. Five opposition party leaders have submitted claims at the Constitutional Court, as they find the amendments violate laws and the constitution of the country.
But what were the recent changes in education law, that so many people decided to voice their dissatisfaction?
Changes in education law
The changes in education law introduced by a parliament accepted amendment are numerous, however, the most significant ones revolve around the government’s authority to appoint heads of schools and give educational institutions a private status.
Overall, the changes in education law give the government a very authoritarian power over the way education in the country functions.
Here are some of the most debatable points of the education law revisions:
- The government will decide whether a child is eligible to spend one more year in nursery school after turning six years
- Kindergarten will be compulsory for all children over three-years-old, except if a parent formally requests a delay by one year
- Teachers will be able to start working without passing a language exam
Many teachers and union members have expressed their concerns, saying that it is unfortunate that parliament approved the changes, despite significant public objections.
Considering the authoritarian character of the changes in education law, it is no surprise that the masses are gathering to protest. Governments play an essential role in the way education in any country is structured, and this is a very responsible position.
Protests against changes to education law are nothing new, however, what Hungary is currently witnessing is of significant magnitude.
