Over 90 media leaders in Europe have urged the EU to oppose legislation proposed by Hungary's government that could threaten independent media. This law allows monitoring and penalization of foreign-funded organizations, resembling authoritarian practices observed in Russia. Critics assert it targets independent media and NGOs, potentially silencing dissent and public engagement. As populism rises, the survival of a free press is crucial, prompting calls for stronger EU intervention to protect democratic values and media independence in Hungary and beyond.
The proposal was immediately criticised by opposition politicians, who said it would pave the way for the government to potentially shut down all independent media and NGOs engaged in public affairs.
The statement published this week, signed by leading media voices from 23 countries, described the draft bill as being in line with the authoritarian tactics seen in Russia under Vladimir Putin.
The survival of a free press is not a local issue, especially in a region where more and more populist leaders are borrowing techniques from Viktor Orban.
The legislation would allow the government to blacklist organisations, levy steep fines on them, and ban them from receiving donations.
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