Hungary’s supreme court clears way migrant quotas referendum

BUDAPEST, Hungary – Hungary’s Kuria, the supreme court, has cleared the way for a government-initiated referendum on a European Union plan for a quota for the resettlement of migrants and refugees.

The vote is an attempt by Prime Minister Viktor Orban to confirm political support for his already popular anti-immigrant position.

The referendum question is: “Do you want the European Union to prescribe the mandatory settlement of non-Hungarian citizens in Hungary even without the consent of parliament?”

Orban said earlier that a “no” vote would be “in favour of Hungary’s independence.”

The Kuria’s decision Tuesday came after four appeals were launched against the National Election Committee’s February decision certifying the referendum question.

The referendum, expected to be held later this year, will be valid if turnout is above 50 per cent.