Former Free Democrat Education Minister Bálint Magyar and MP Klára Sándor submitted to Parliament amendment motions of the Public Education Act on Tuesday.
The proposal aims to stop the teaching of subjects in the first six school years, to ban homework at the weekend and during holidays, and gradually phase out eight-year secondary schools as of September.
Democratic Union of Teachers president Gábor Kerpen said abolishing the teaching of subjects in the first six school years “is such an absurd idea that it cannot be commented on.”
Kerpen added that banning homework would seriously curtail the pedagogical autonomy of teachers and schools alike, while abolishing eight-year secondary schools would limit the rights of parents and children to choose a school. He pledged that his union will do its best to scupper the motion.
Fidesz educational expert László Sió said “legislative fever has gripped the Free Democrats, which could create a serious uncertainty in law and chaos in education. Perhaps Magyar wants to intentionally cause turmoil.
“It appears, Sió added, “that after the change of prime minister, the Socialists and the Free Democrats signed a backstairs deal.”
The Education Ministry said it will study the proposal before outlining a stance.
