Top court rules referendum bids on Fudan University, jobless benefits unconstitutional

The Constitutional Court on Wednesday ruled that a decision by the Kuria, Hungary's supreme court, approving referendum initiatives on the Budapest campus of China's Fudan University and the extension of the jobseekers' allowance is unconstitutional. The ruling means that a referendum cannot be held on those issues. In its justification, the Constitutional Court said a national referendum on the planned Budapest campus of Fudan University could not be held because it concerned an international agreement between Hungary and the People's Republic of China. Meanwhile, the issue of extending the eligibility period for jobless benefits cannot be put to a vote because it would impact the state budget, the court said.