Hungarian Parliament debates education bill to restore school autonomy and teachers' strike rights

The Hungarian parliament has begun debating a proposed amendment to the public‑education law put forward by the Tisza party. The bill aims to increase school autonomy by returning decision‑making powers to school boards (nevelőtestületek) over curricula, organisational rules, annual work plans and institutional reports. It also expands principals' managerial authority while retaining ministerial veto in limited fiscal or legal cases.

A central focus of the proposal is the restoration of teachers' collective labour rights, notably the removal of legal obstacles that have restricted the right to strike since 2022. The draft would relax strike‑notification requirements and set lighter obligations for schools during work stoppages, though debate continues over stricter rules for the 90‑day period before final examinations. The legislation has been discussed in the Education Committee, with input from trade unions, parent groups and the Civil Public‑Education Platform incorporated into the revised text.

If adopted, the law would also give school directors employer‑type powers in hiring and promotion decisions and reinstate the right of school boards to review director appointments. Critics warn that the three‑party decision model could slow processes and increase administrative burdens.