A new draft law submitted to the Hungarian Parliament has raised concerns among civil society and media watchdogs. The proposal seeks to require organisations and media outlets receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as “foreign-funded,” a move critics fear could stigmatise independent voices and limit public trust. The law would also expand the powers of the State Audit Office to review entities deemed “politically active,” prompting warnings of selective scrutiny and increased pressure on dissenting organisations. Civil society groups have expressed concern over the bill’s potential impact on democratic participation and freedom of expression, arguing that it could further narrow Hungary’s civic space. The development comes amid ongoing EU scrutiny of rule of law and fundamental rights issues in the country.Read more here.
Source: Telex
