The government is planning to abolish the law that banned large shops to stay open on Sundays, Fidesz MP's announced on Monday. The House is set to vote on the proposal on Tuesday in fast-track procedure.
Parliament approved a law in December 2014 that banned all shops above 200 square metre retail space to stay open on Sundays. The move was aimed to support small, family-owned businesses and was aimed indirectly against large multinational stores. But the decision has been highly unpopular with more than two-thirds disapproving it.
The ban has proved divisive, said cabinet chief Antal Rogán during a press conference. "We could not convince people that this is a successful measure, it made the everyday lives of families more difficult." he said.
Parliament could vote on the proposal in an expediated procedure on Tuesday. The amendment is very likely to pass as it is supported by opposition parties. The Socialists drive to hold a referendum on Sunday shopping ban get the green light last week after weeks of legal-wrangling. This means if the amendment is passed, than the planned referendum to repeal the law would become redundant. The government acknowleged its defeat on the issue, the first time since they disputed internet tax, the Socialists said.
Despite the Sunday shopping ban, Hungary's retail sales grew 5.6% last year.
