Thousands protest in Budapest against bill threatening media freedom

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1. https://www.dnes.bg/a/2-svyat/681400-hilyadi-ungartsi-izlyazoha-na-malchaliv-protest-sreshtu-sporen-zakonoproekt – Please view link – unable to able to access data
2. https://apnews.com/article/39bca7daa21abd7e1f0cffe2bd641501 – On Sunday, approximately 10,000 protesters gathered in Budapest to oppose a new bill proposed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s ruling party, which they view as a significant threat to free speech and civil liberties. The bill, similar to Russia’s ‘foreign agent’ law, would authorise the government to monitor, penalise, and ban media outlets and NGOs receiving foreign funding. Demonstrators argue that this move aims to silence critics and independent media ahead of the 2026 election, where Orbán faces increased political pressure. The Fidesz party’s parliamentary majority makes the bill’s passage likely. Critics warn that the law’s vague criteria—such as challenging traditional family structures or Christian values—could label legitimate dissent as a national security threat. This protest follows months of weekly demonstrations against other controversial government policies, including an anti-LGBTQ+ law restricting Pride events. Orbán claims these measures are necessary to protect national sovereignty from foreign influence, particularly from the U.S. and Ukraine, a claim denied by the targeted organisations. Protest leaders emphasised that sovereignty must include citizens’ rights to free speech and participation in public life. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/39bca7daa21abd7e1f0cffe2bd641501?utm_source=openai))
3. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/hungarian-media-activists-protest-against-crackdown-foreign-funded-groups-2025-05-15/ – On May 15, 2025, over 60 Hungarian media outlets, think tanks, and rights groups published an open letter protesting controversial legislation proposed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party. The bill, introduced on May 13, aims to regulate and potentially shut down organisations receiving foreign funding if deemed a threat to Hungary’s culture or sovereignty. Critics argue that the legislation targets independent media, civil society, and opposition voices, attempting to suppress dissent ahead of the 2026 elections, where Orbán faces increased opposition. The letter condemned the bill as an ‘authoritarian’ move to erode democracy, drawing parallels to Russia’s ‘foreign agents law.’ Key signatories include Amnesty International Hungary, Transparency International Hungary, and the Hungarian Helsinki Committee. The law would create a list of foreign-funded groups, allow the government to monitor bank accounts, block foreign funds, and impose severe fines on unregistered recipients. Failure to pay fines could lead to organisational shutdowns. The Sovereignty Protection Office would determine which groups pose a threat, including those challenging traditional societal norms. Government spokesman Zoltán Kovács defended the proposal as necessary for national security, likening it to U.S. actions against foreign influence. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/hungarian-media-activists-protest-against-crackdown-foreign-funded-groups-2025-05-15/?utm_source=openai))
4. https://www.reuters.com/world/eu-commissioner-democracy-serious-concerns-about-rule-law-situation-hungary-2025-05-27/ – EU Commissioner for Democracy, Michael McGrath, expressed significant concerns about the state of the rule of law in Hungary during remarks made in Brussels before a meeting with European foreign affairs ministers. His concerns centre on a proposed Hungarian transparency law that seeks to restrict foreign funding of NGOs and media organisations. McGrath labelled the draft law as a violation of EU law and called on the Hungarian government to withdraw it. He also emphasised that if Hungary proceeds with enacting the legislation, the European Commission is prepared to intervene using available legal and institutional tools. This statement underscores EU apprehensions regarding governance and civil liberties in Hungary. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/eu-commissioner-democracy-serious-concerns-about-rule-law-situation-hungary-2025-05-27/?utm_source=openai))
5. https://www.ft.com/content/fa45b0b5-1932-4700-870c-607a4f45ada0 – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is intensifying his crackdown on dissent through the newly formed Sovereignty Protection Office (SPO), which critics argue is modelled after Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Initiated to control foreign financing in political campaigns, the SPO has been accused of having a broad mandate that can target politicians, civil rights groups, and journalists. The SPO operates with significant autonomy, utilising state intelligence agencies, accessing private information, setting its budget, and conducting activities without court oversight. This move is seen as unprecedented within the European Union and NATO, triggering legal action from the European Commission. International observers, including the US, have expressed serious concerns over these authoritarian measures, which seem aimed at severing foreign financial ties particularly from US organisations. Orbán’s actions represent a significant step in the consolidation of power, echoing the suppression methods seen in Russia and Belarus, threatening Hungary’s civil society and independent media. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/fa45b0b5-1932-4700-870c-607a4f45ada0?utm_source=openai))
6. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/23/orban-accused-of-trying-to-silence-all-critics-in-hungary-with-new-law – Hungary’s opposition parties and civil society organisations have accused Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of attempting to silence all critics with a new law establishing a ‘sovereignty protection office.’ The bill, which has been criticised for its broad and vague language, would allow the government to investigate and punish organisations using foreign funding to influence voters. Critics argue that the law is intentionally ambiguous, allowing the government to arbitrarily target any activity related to public affairs as serving foreign interests. This is seen as a clear attempt to weaponise the law, create a chilling effect, and further consolidate political power. The Hungarian Helsinki Committee, a rights group, stated that the bill is intentionally vague and riddled with undefined and broadly interpreted concepts. The Hungarian government did not respond to a request for comment. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/23/orban-accused-of-trying-to-silence-all-critics-in-hungary-with-new-law?utm_source=openai))
7. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53531948 – More than 70 journalists and staff at Hungary’s top news site Index have resigned, accusing the government of launching a bid to destroy or tame their website. Index is the last of Hungary’s key independent media, and editor-in-chief Szabolcs Dull was fired on Tuesday. Its journalists said the sacking was ‘clear interference’ and an attempt to apply pressure on the site. Hours later, protesters gathered in Budapest to rally for media freedom. Over the past decade, supporters of nationalist and conservative Prime Minister Viktor Orbán have gradually taken control of Hungary’s independent media. ([bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53531948?utm_source=openai))