Against foreign influence: Hungary passes controversial law

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The Hungarian parliament has passed a package of laws to curb ‘foreign influence’, which critics say could silence opponents of right-wing nationalist government leader Viktor Orban (60). The law was passed by a large majority on Tuesday evening in parliament, which is dominated by the ruling Fidesz party, and is expected to come into effect in early February.

The law provides, among other things, for prison sentences and the establishment of a supervisory authority intended to prevent ‘foreign influence’, for example in the electoral process. The authority is supposed to “identify and investigate organizations that receive money from abroad (…) to influence the will of voters.”

The head of the new supervisory authority will be appointed by the Prime Minister. The institution should be given extensive investigative powers. Although it could not itself impose sanctions on non-governmental organizations, it could pass information to the authorities.

Anyone who breaks the law should receive a prison sentence of up to three years

Under the law, any candidate who stands for election while accepting foreign funds faces a three-year prison sentence. The Fidesz party said the law would “close the door to election fraud.”

The Orbán government’s plans have attracted a lot of criticism at home and abroad in recent weeks. Critics fear this could lead to action against dissidents and groups who reject the policies of Orbán’s government.

Hungary is a member of the European Union. However, Orban, who has been in power since 2010, has been at odds with the European Commission for years over numerous issues, such as migration, the rule of law and LGBTQ rights. (nad/dzc/AFP)

Source: Blick