BUDAPEST, Hungary, April 19 (UPI) -- The Hungarian Parliament has approved a new constitution ending the country's transition from a totalitarian state to a democratic system, its authors said.
Lawmakers voted 262-44 in favor of the document but two of the country's three opposition parties walked out of the chamber before the vote, the BBC reported.
The moment the tally was announced Monday, applause erupted from members of the governing Fidesz party followed by singing of the Hungarian national anthem.
The authors of the new constitution called it a basic law for the 21st century but the Socialist and Green parties labeled it "democracy undermined."
The preamble, which stresses Hungary's Christian roots, has drawn controversy while an article limiting the size of the country's debt has garnered international praise.
