The House yesterday voted down a Free Democrat bill for an equal share of male and females to appear on each party’s lists of prospective MPs. Parliament rejected the bill, which required a two-thirds majority, with 132 votes in favour, 97 against and 118 abstentions.

Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány, the cabinet ministers and Socialist caucus leader Ildikó Lendvai voted affirmatively in the coalition. From the opposition parties, Fidesz chairman Viktor Orbán, caucus leader Tibor Navracsics and deputy chairwoman Ildikó Gáll Pelcz all voted in favour of the bill, but many others voted against or abstained.

In another development Parliament approved a cross-party draft resolution and voted to establish the institution of an environmental ombudsman. The position will hold no official authority but will involve drafting long-term strategies and regional development concepts, and agreeing international commitments and legislation.

Parliament on Monday night passed an amendment to the Pensions Act whereby those who retire before the official retirement age of 62 will not have their pensions reduced before 2013 if they have worked for at least 40 years.