Hungarians Take to the Streets in Protest Against Controversial Media and NGO Regulation Bill
Protesters in Hungary rally against legislation controlling media and non-governmental organizations
Hungary witnessed a significant protest last Sunday, as thousands of citizens took to the streets to voice their disapproval of a proposed law by the ruling government to regulate foreign-funded media and NGOs [1].
Protesters in Budapest carried banners that read "Today a donation, tomorrow evidence of a crime?" and expressed discontent as the names of 115 parliamentarians who supported the bill were announced [2].
The legislation, if passed, would enable the Hungarian government to blacklist organizations that "threaten Hungary's sovereignty by influencing public life with foreign funds" [2]. These organizations would then require a permit to receive money from abroad and would be ineligible for a significant source of revenue—a one percent tax on income from Hungarian taxpayers [2].
The opposition in Hungary alleges that the government aims to silence political opponents, following a pattern similar to Russia [2]. The EU Commission, which has had ongoing conflicts with the government in Budapest, has urged them to withdraw the bill, threatening "necessary steps" if it isn't [2]. The parliamentary vote on the bill is scheduled for mid-June, but with the Fidesz party of Prime Minister Viktor Orban holding a comfortable majority, approval is seen as a formality [2].
The "Transparency in Public Life" bill, introduced by János Halász from the Fidesz party, aims to impose stringent regulations on foreign-funded NGOs and media deemed a threat to Hungary's sovereignty [1][3]. According to the bill, these organizations would be required to disclose their assets, lose tax benefits, and potentially face severe fines or even closure if they receive foreign funding without authorization [1][3]. The Sovereignty Protection Office, established in 2023, would play a crucial role in regulating these entities [1][2].
The European Media Freedom Act, set to take effect in August 2025, aims to safeguard free and pluralistic media across the EU, which could potentially contradict Hungary's proposed legislation [2]. Given the controversial nature of the bill, it's likely that there would be opposition from within Hungary, including protests and public dissent from affected civil society groups and NGOs [4].
- In light of the ongoing protests in Hungary against the controversial media and NGO regulation bill, it is crucial for the community policy to address the concerns of citizens regarding transparency and freedom of speech.
- The proposed employment policy for foreign-funded media and NGOs in Hungary has sparked debate in the realm of politics and general news, with critics cautioning against the potential silenting of political opponents and infringement on media freedom.
