The debate over the future of Mol, the dominant oil and gas group which is facing a hostile approach from Austria’s OMV, has highlighted the importance of energy in Hungary’s political and economic life.

The ruling Socialists and opposition Fidesz parties set aside their differences earlier this month to vote 337-4 for legislation that will increase boardroom powers to resist unwanted bids. While Mol is not named, the law is known as Lex Mol in Hungary and widely seen as designed to assist Mol in fending off OMV.