Hungary edges closer to Russia: Orbán’s “spring clean-up” bill threatens civil society and press freedom
The Hungarian government, led by Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz party, has introduced a sweeping new law that critics say is aimed at silencing dissent and consolidating power—drawing stark parallels with authoritarian regimes like Russia. Titled “On the Transparency of Public Life”, the bill was quietly submitted to Parliament just before midnight on 13 May by Fidesz MP János Halász. Though presented as a measure to protect Hungary’s sovereignty, it appears designed to target NGOs, independent media, and opposition voices receiving foreign funding.
Foreign support branded as a threat
Under the bill, the newly formed Sovereignty Protection Office (Szuverenitásvédelmi Hivatal) would have broad powers to investigate and effectively blacklist organisations it deems a threat to national sovereignty, Telex reports. This includes any civil group or company receiving foreign funding to “influence public life”—a vague term encompassing anything from journalism and advocacy to social programs and education.
If listed, organisations would face severe restrictions:
- They would lose access to Hungary’s 1% personal income tax donation scheme.
- They must demand formal declarations from every supporter attesting that no donations originate from abroad.
- Any alleged breach could lead to fines up to 25 times the foreign donation amount, payable within 15 days.
- Their leaders, founders, and supervisory board members would be forced to file public asset declarations identical to those of MPs.
- The organisation and its leadership would be treated as “prominent public figures” under anti-terrorism financing laws.
These groups could also be subjected to unannounced, on-site inspections by the Sovereignty Office, which would have the right to examine documents, hard drives, and even copy data—with police support if necessary.
What constitutes a “threat”?
The law outlines a shockingly broad definition of activities that could be considered harmful to sovereignty. According to 444.hu, these include anything that negatively portrays:
- Hungary’s democratic and constitutional character;
- National unity and the fate of ethnic Hungarians living abroad;
- Traditional family values and binary gender roles;
- Peace and cooperation with other nations;
- Hungary’s Christian culture and constitutional identity.
The bill even cites influencing public opinion or democratic debate as potentially dangerous—effectively criminalising the core functions of a free press and civil society.
Orbán’s open hostility toward dissent
This legislative move follows Orbán’s inflammatory speech on 15 March, in which he labelled critical civil groups, journalists, judges defending judicial independence, and opposition politicians as “overwintering stinkbugs” funded by foreign actors. “We’ve had enough of them. A spring wind is coming to sweep them away,” he said, adding that “a scarlet letter marks them… their fate is shame and contempt… and if there’s justice—and there is—they’ll have their own corner in hell.”
While these remarks sparked backlash from psychologists, judges, and academics, there was no official condemnation from the President or Prosecutor’s Office.
Orbán leading Hungary towards a Russian-style crackdown?
When the Sovereignty Protection Office was established in 2023, its function was vague. But with this bill, its role becomes clear: a central tool for persecuting groups deemed politically inconvenient. Critics argue that the law uses the language of transparency and national security to wage a coordinated attack on Hungary’s democratic institutions.
The government insists the legislation is justified by alleged sovereignty violations uncovered in recent years, citing outcomes from national consultations. But in practice, it creates an environment where independent voices can be surveilled, fined, and dismantled—mirroring tactics used by Vladimir Putin’s Russia.
If passed, the law would come into effect just three days after its adoption. It marks yet another step in Hungary’s slide away from European democratic norms, raising serious concerns in Brussels and beyond. In the name of sovereignty, Orbán may be burying Hungary’s democracy under layers of fear, control, and silence.
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