Hungary Proposes Law Expanding Powers to Monitor Foreign-Funded NGOs

Hungarian lawmakers from Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party have introduced a bill titled “Transparency in Public Life” aimed at expanding the powers of the Sovereignty Protection Office (SPO) to investigate and control foreign-funded organizations deemed threats to national sovereignty. The legislation would allow the SPO to blacklist such organizations, barring them from receiving personal income tax donations and requiring special authorization for foreign funding, with hefty fines imposed for violations. The bill broadly defines threats to sovereignty as actions undermining Hungary’s constitutional identity, traditional family values, or public security, effectively targeting NGOs, independent media, and advocacy groups. Critics argue the law is a political tool to silence dissent, restrict civil society, and mirror authoritarian practices, warning it could lead to the shutdown of independent media ahead of upcoming elections. The government defends the bill by citing the need to protect Hungary from foreign interference and influence on its political decisions and public opinion. Listed organizations would also face increased government scrutiny, including inspections and monitoring of bank accounts, as part of what opponents describe as a further erosion of democratic institutions in Hungary.