MPs from Hungary’s ruling rightwing Fidesz party have backed a proposal to conduct yearly mandatory drug tests on children between the age of 12 and 18.

Antal Rogán, head of the Fidesz parliamentary group, said the plan needed some “strong adjustments” but claimed it would protect children and fight drug trafficking and organised crime.

A draft of the bill is expected to be ready in February for debate in parliament, where Fidesz has a two-thirds majority of seats.

Rogán said the test results would be revealed only to parents, and a positive test would have no legal consequences for minors.

Last week Fidesz’s communications director, Máté Kocsis, said the tests would also apply to politicians and journalists. Rogán said legal consultations were needed to determine whether those groups could be included.