"Orbán's Fidesz Party Introduces Controversial Bill Threatening Democracy in Hungary"
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"Orbán's Fidesz Party Introduces Controversial Bill Threatening Democracy in Hungary"
[!CDATA[Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party has introduced a controversial bill to parliament called On the Transparency of Public Life, which has raised concerns about democratic backsliding in the country. The bill would empower the Sovereignty Protection Office to blacklist organizations that receive foreign funding, including from EU grants, if they are deemed a threat to national sovereignty. This office, established in December 2023, has the authority to investigate groups or individuals receiving foreign funds. The proposed bill is seen as part of a broader trend in Hungary where the government under Orbán has been targeting independent institutions and dissenting voices. It draws parallels to Russia's "foreign agent" law, which is used to suppress NGOs and independent voices. Organizations placed on the government's blacklist would lose access to donations from a 1 percent income tax on citizens and would need to prove that their funding is domestic. Leaders of these organizations would also face strict disclosure rules, including mandatory asset declarations. Additionally, the bill grants authorities the power to conduct intrusive inspections, seize documents and devices, and impose hefty fines, up to 25 times the amount of any foreign funding received, to be paid within 15 days. The bill defines threats to national sovereignty as activities that influence public opinion, promote democratic debate, or challenge state-defined values such as Christian culture and traditional family roles. Fidesz lawmaker János Halász defended the bill by citing abuses that have allegedly violated Hungary's sovereignty in recent years. Prime Minister Orbán, in a speech on March 15, vowed to crack down on what he referred to as a "shadow army" of political opponents, journalists, judges, and activists in the country, accusing them of working for foreign powers. He used strong language, likening his political opponents to "insects" deserving of "shame and contempt," and hinted at an upcoming "spring cleaning." In conclusion, the introduction of the bill in Hungary has sparked concerns about the erosion of democratic values and the targeting of civil society organizations and dissenting voices. The proposed measures, if implemented, could have far-reaching implications for the freedom of expression and the functioning of independent institutions in the country.]]