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Hungary: Thousands hit Budapest over Orban's controversial 'slave law'

Monday, 17 December 2018 3:29 AM [ Last Update: Monday, 17 December 2018 3:34 AM ]

Participants of a rally by members and sympathisers of several trade unions, political parties and civil organisations light flares in front of the parliament building.

Thousands took to the streets of Budapest for the fourth consecutive day after lawmakers approved a controversial amendment to labour laws proposed by Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban greets German Chancellor Angela Merkel on December 14, 2018 in Brussels during the second day of a European Summit aimed at discussing the Brexit deal, the long-term budget and the single market. (AFP)

Riot police reportedly used pepper spray and tear gas on the protesters in an attempt to control the crowds.

Thousands continued on their route to the state television building, with hundreds then going on to block two key bridges spanning the Danube River.

Critics have accused the proposed legislation of being a "slave law" which would allow an increase in overtime working hours and bypass labour unions in overtime work negotiations.

The proposal was approved by 130-52 with one abstention. Members of opposition parties reportedly blew whistles and sirens and blocked access to the speaker's pulpit in a bid to stop the voting.

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