The Hungarian parliament has voted to pass its controversial coronavirus legislation, which will extend its executive powers indefinitely.

The bill has been condemned by critics both within Hungary and internationally as a step back for democracy, but Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government has brushed off what it has called "political attacks," as misinformed.

The legislation, which passed by 137 votes to 53, will expand the current "state of emergency" and allow Orban to rule by decree.

Hungary, like many other countries, declared a state of emergency earlier this month to help fight the coronavirus.

The emergency legislation grants the government additional powers it can resort to if need be – such as changing existing legislation and pushing through new laws.

But critics are fearful, saying it has no time limit or parliamentary oversight.

"The opposition parties are open to all kinds of compromise, ready to do everything," said Timea Szabo, a Member of the European Parliament for the Dialogue for Hungary Party (Parbeszed).

"But it seems that for Viktor Orban it is still more important to create enemies and create divisions in the Hungarian society, than being successful in slowing the outbreak down," she added.

The opposition parties say they are united in the fight against COVID-19, but say none of the governments in the European Union has asked for and received limitless powers.

"Viktor Orban shouldn't use the epidemic to create a kingdom here," MEP for the Jobbik Party, Gyorgy Lukacs said.

"Viktor Orban has to preserve democracy as it is written [in the constitution]. For this he should provide the parliament the proper rights, even, as we know, it would be a bit harder to have parliament sessions," Lukacs said.

Opponents are also concerned the bill's proposed jail sentences for those who spread false information could be used to silence Orban's detractors.

The country's justice minister, Judit Varga, dismissed the criticism as unfounded, saying the law's scope was "limited" and envisioned only "necessary and proportionate measures" to fight COVID-19.

She said the penalties against those who spread false information were necessary to fight misinformation.

Varga compared the criticism of the legislation with that of Hungary's move in 2015 to build a fence on its border with Croatia and Serbia to keep out illegal immigrants.

"The hysterical reaction to the government's measures is an echo of what happened during the migration crisis in 2015, when Hungary decided to defend its borders against an external threat," Varga said.

"In doing so, it was also protecting Europe's borders. But the government was heavily criticized for the move and has been in the leftist-liberal media's crossfire ever since," she added.

MEPs have called on the European Commission to launch an inquiry into whether the bill aligns with EU values.

For now, the decision as to when the current emergency will end – and with it, Orban's special powers – is in the hands of his ruling party.