Hungary's government has proposed a new legislative measure that has sparked significant debate about civil society and governmental oversight. The bill, titled “On the Transparency of Public Life,” introduces substantial new regulations for organizations receiving foreign funding.
The legislation, submitted by the ruling Fidesz party under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, creates a new government body called the Sovereignty Protection Office. This office will have the authority to review and potentially restrict organizations receiving international financial support.
Key provisions of the bill include requiring organizations to obtain government approval for foreign funding, mandating asset declarations for leaders, and implementing a system of potential financial penalties for non-compliance. Organizations deemed to pose a potential risk to national sovereignty could face significant restrictions.
The bill would allow the Sovereignty Protection Office to conduct inspections of organizations, including potential home searches. Non-compliant groups could face fines up to 25 times the amount of foreign funding received, with potential consequences for organizational dissolution.
“The draft law is dangerously broad and would allow the new Sovereignty Protection Office — led by individuals openly hostile to independent journalism — to place media and NGOs on a government watchlist. Those targeted could face frozen bank accounts, invasive asset declarations, and crippling fines” commented on a LinkedIn post, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist, Frederik Obermaier. “This mirrors authoritarian tactics seen in Russia and undermines the very foundation of European democratic values” he added.
International organizations have also raised concerns about the bill. The European Commission has already initiated legal proceedings, arguing that the legislation may infringe on fundamental rights and democratic principles.
Critics argue the bill will limit the activities of non-governmental organizations and independent media outlets. Supporters of the legislation contend it is necessary to ensure transparency and protect national interests.
“This draft law gives a tragic choice to Hungarian independent media, already worn down by Viktor Orbán’s predatory policies: either be nationalised or starve to death” said Pavol Szalai, Head of RSF’s EU-Balkans Desk in a statement and called on the European Union to use every tool at its disposal to safeguard “the little that remains of press freedom in Hungary”
To protest the bill, 85 chief editors from across Europe have signed a declaration calling on European Union institutions and member state governments to take all necessary steps to prevent the law’s enactment
The proposed law reflects ongoing tensions between Hungary's current government and international bodies, particularly regarding issues of democratic governance and civil society independence.
The Parliamentary committee of the Council of Europe has also asked the Hungarian government to cancel the law. The European Union is closely monitoring the situation, with potential further legal and political consequences depending on the bill's implementation and eventual passage.
Illustration: Fillér Máté / Telex
