Standoff Over Controversial Hungarian Law: Europarat Urges MPs to Halt Vote
European Council advises Hungarian legislators to abstain in vote concerning NGO legislation
In the midst of a looming vote in mid-June, the Council of Europe's human rights commissioner, Michael O'Flaherty, has sent a direct plea to Hungarian parliamentarians. In a candid letter, he implores them to abstain from passing a controversial law, unless it aligns with international human rights laws[1].
The so-called "Bill on the Transparency of Public Life" proposed by Hungary's right-wing administration targets foreign-funded media and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The bill grants the Hungarian government the power to defame organizations deemed a threat to the country's sovereignty by exerting foreign influence on domestic affairs[3]. These organizations would need to secure a permit to receive funding from foreign sources, and would be stripped of the possibility of taxpayer support, a crucial income source for non-profits in Hungary[2].
Critics claim the government seeks to suppress dissenting voices with the law, drawing parallels to Russia's silence tactics[4]. The European Commission, an ongoing adversary for the Hungarian government, has demanded the withdrawal of the bill and hinted at "consequential measures" if the law moves forward[2].
Hungary's parliament is scheduled to vote on the bill in mid-June. With the Fidesz party, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, holding a comfortable majority, the bill's approval seems imminent[4]. Opposition to the bill has spilled onto the streets, with protests attracting thousands of Hungarians over the weekend[2].
[1] ntv.de, AFP[2] bbc.com[3] humanrightshouse.hu[4] politico.eu
- The Council of Europe's human rights commissioner, Michael O'Flaherty, has urged Hungarian parliamentarians to reconsider the controversial "Bill on the Transparency of Public Life" and ensure it complies with international human rights laws, as the proposed legislation targets foreign-funded media and NGOs, which critics claim could suppress dissenting voices.
- This ongoing standoff between Hungary and the Council of Europe over the controversial bill, which is part of the broader policy-and-legislation landscape and politics, is gaining attention as a general news item, with the European Commission threatening "consequential measures" if the bill moves forward and protests in Hungary drawing comparisons to Russia's suppressive tactics.
