Parliament’s immunity committee meeting convened to discuss disciplinary procedures against 38 opposition lawmakers lacked quorum because opposition party representatives voted against approving the body’s agenda.

The disciplinary procedures were launched against the MPs in connection with a parliamentary vote on stricter labour code rules on December 12. The legislation raises the upper threshold for annual overtime from 250 to 400 hours. Opposition lawmakers blocked the house speaker’s dais and obstructed proceedings with loud whistling and jeering in an attempt to thwart the vote.

Opposition members of the committee called for an open session to be held. But the committee’s head indicated that house rules only allow a disciplinary procedure to be addressed at a session held behind closed doors. János Hargitai told reporters that the committee voted against holding an open session, as well as against amending the house rules.   As opposition members afterwards did not vote to approve the committee’s agenda, the meeting could not take place, he said.