Hungary considers law to regulate foreign-funded organizations

Hungary’s parliament is reviewing a bill that would give authorities sweeping powers to monitor, penalize, or ban groups accused of threatening national sovereignty through foreign funding.

The proposed law, introduced by a member of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party, would expand the powers of the country’s sovereignty protection office. It targets organizations that receive foreign donations while engaging in public life — including media outlets and NGOs — and defines “threats” broadly, including actions that challenge Hungary’s “constitutional identity” or “Christian culture.”

Opposition lawmakers warn the legislation could be used to silence all independent media and civil society groups.

If passed, the law would allow authorities to inspect the finances, documents, and devices of targeted organizations, bar them from receiving taxpayer-directed donations, and impose fines up to 25 times the foreign funds received. Repeat offenders could be shut down entirely.

Fidesz, which holds a two-thirds majority, is expected to pass the bill. It follows Orbán’s recent pledge to dismantle foreign-funded groups he described as undermining Hungary’s interests.

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