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Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has proposed lowering the voting age from 18 to 16 as part of his government's constitutional reform process. He says today's teenagers are sufficiently informed to participate in decision-making related to the country's future.
"I believe that the vast majority of young people under the age of 18 are sufficiently prepared and informed to have a voice in our common decisions. As for me, during the drafting of the new Constitution I will support lowering the voting age to 16," Magyar wrote.
Constitutional reform
Magyar linked this proposal to the broad constitutional reform that his government launched after the April general elections.
He said he is pleased that, in his opinion, Hungarian parliamentary democracy is being revitalized after years during which Parliament was deliberately weakened under the leadership of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Recalling his childhood, Magyar said that in the early 1990s he would attend parliamentary debates with his grandmother after returning from school and sports activities, an experience that, according to him, influenced his appreciation for democratic institutions today.
Criticism of the previous government
The Prime Minister also criticized the country's previous leaders, expressing the hope that only people dedicated to Hungary's interests will serve in the highest public positions.
In a comment that was interpreted as criticism of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and current President Tamás Sulyok, he wrote:
"Just because a clown enters a palace, he doesn't become a king; but the palace can be turned into a circus."
Electoral reforms in preparation
The proposal comes at a time when the government is preparing a broader reform of the electoral system.
Márton Melléthei-Barna, deputy chairman of the parliamentary group of the ruling Tisza party, stated that one of the first priorities after the adoption of the new Constitution – which is expected to be subject to a referendum – will be the drafting of a new electoral law.
According to him, the new legislation could be approved within 18 to 24 months.
"Young people are more engaged than ever"
In his post, Magyar argued that citizens' interest in politics has increased significantly after the change of government.
"I am proud that never before have so many people attended parliamentary sessions and taken an interest in public life," he wrote, adding that politics has become "attractive" again and that young people increasingly feel they have a role in shaping Hungary's future.
He also emphasized that limiting the mandate of deputies to 12 years, as provided for by the 17th constitutional amendment, could help raise standards of public life and renew the political class.
What would change?
If the proposal is approved, Hungary will join a small but growing group of countries that grant 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote in at least some elections.
However, the proposal is still in the discussion phase and to enter into force it must be included in the new Constitution and relevant electoral legislation.
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