A political shift is brewing in Central Europe. Days after a right-wing Eurosceptic won Poland’s presidential race, Hungary is back in the spotlight. Its controversial Sovereignty Protection Act is raising fresh questions about foreign influence and the future of democracy in the region.
Hungary says it’s defending its democracy. Critics say it’s doing the opposite.
The Sovereignty Protection Act, passed in December 2023, created a powerful new body – the Sovereignty Protection Office (SPO). Its role is to investigate individuals and organisations suspected of taking foreign money to influence politics. It has the power to demand financial records, name those under scrutiny, and do so publicly.
During elections, parties and candidates are banned from accepting certain foreign donations. Violating the law may result in criminal charges. Hungarian officials frame this as a defence of national sovereignty.
“Democratic decision-making must reflect the will of the Hungarian people,” the government said, “not that of foreign powers or their proxies.”
Fidesz party leader Máté Kocsis was more direct:
“We want to nettle left-wing journalists, fake civilians, and dollar-politicians.”
Opponents, however, are pushing back. In November, 31 NGOs challenged the law in Hungary’s Constitutional Court. The court dismissed their case. Now, they’re appealing to the European Court of Human Rights.
Meanwhile, the European Commission has launched legal action, arguing the law violates EU rules on political freedom and fairness. The case is now under review by the European Court of Justice.
A new draft law has added to the tension. The proposed Transparency of Public Life bill would expand the SPO’s powers further — allowing it to fine organisations and access their digital records.
Michael McGrath, the EU’s democracy commissioner, urged the Hungarian government to withdraw the legislation, warning that the European Commission is ready to act using “available legal and institutional tools.”
Still, Hungary remains defiant. With a new Eurosceptic president in Poland, some see a pattern: a broader push in parts of Europe to curb Brussels’ influence and tighten political control at home.
China’s carbon emissions grew far less than previously thought over the past five years, according to a new analysis that is drawing close attention...
The United States launched fresh strikes on Iranian drone targets near Bandar Abbas after intercepting attack drones over the Strait of Hormuz, raisin...
Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz has taken steps towards potentially declaring a state of emergency as anti-government protests intensify in the earl...
Dozens of people were killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon on Tuesday, Lebanese officials said, straining a fragile ceasefire agreed between the cou...
Norway is set to come under France’s nuclear umbrella, marking a significant shift in European security arrangements as concerns grow over the Unite...
The United States launched fresh strikes on Iranian drone targets near Bandar Abbas after intercepting attack drones over the Strait of Hormuz, raising tensions despite an existing ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
Dozens of people were killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon on Tuesday, Lebanese officials said, straining a fragile ceasefire agreed between the countries in April. The attacks came as Iran accused the U.S. of violating a separate ceasefire with strikes near the Strait of Hormuz.
Norway is set to come under France’s nuclear umbrella, marking a significant shift in European security arrangements as concerns grow over the United States’ long-term commitment to the region.
Britain has announced fresh sanctions targeting cryptocurrency exchanges, financial networks and banks accused of helping Russia evade Western restrictions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 26 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Dozens of people were killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon on Tuesday, Lebanese officials said, straining a fragile ceasefire agreed between the countries in April. The attacks came as Iran accused the U.S. of violating a separate ceasefire with strikes near the Strait of Hormuz.
Chinese investigators have uncovered hidden tunnels, missing worker trackers and fake underground walls during an initial investigation into the country’s deadliest mining disaster in more than 15 years.
The new AnewZ documentary, TARGET: Yerevan, builds its explosive case on exclusive, secret recordings originally published by Minval Politika.
The visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Armenia marks one of the clearest signs yet of Washington’s growing interest in the South Caucasus.
China’s carbon emissions grew far less than previously thought over the past five years, according to a new analysis that is drawing close attention from climate researchers worldwide.
Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz has taken steps towards potentially declaring a state of emergency as anti-government protests intensify in the early months of his administration.
Norway is set to come under France’s nuclear umbrella, marking a significant shift in European security arrangements as concerns grow over the United States’ long-term commitment to the region.
Britain has announced fresh sanctions targeting cryptocurrency exchanges, financial networks and banks accused of helping Russia evade Western restrictions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.
Muslims around the world have marked Eid al-Adha with prayers, celebrations and acts of charity, though for many Palestinians the holiday unfolded amid conflict, restrictions and loss.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment