Hungary's ruling Fidesz party has postponed a parliamentary vote on controversial draft legislation that would allow the government to monitor, penalize, and potentially ban organizations receiving foreign funding. The vote, initially expected in mid-June, is now delayed until autumn following weeks of protests and warnings from civil rights groups that the law would 'starve and strangle' civil society and independent media.
Hungary postpones vote on law to curb foreign-funded organisations
HungaryPoliticsViktor OrbánEuropeWorld
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Hungary's ruling Fidesz party has postponed a parliamentary vote on controversial draft legislation that would allow the government to monitor, penalize, and potentially ban organizations receiving foreign funding. The vote, initially expected in mid-June, is now delayed until autumn following weeks of protests and warnings from civil rights groups that the law would 'starve and strangle' civil society and independent media.
Trending- 1 2010: Government's goal to silence independent voices since this year.
- 2 Last month: Fidesz put forward the legislation.
- 3 Mid-June: Parliamentary vote initially expected.
- 4 Wednesday: Mâté Kocsis announced postponement until autumn.
- 5 Next spring: Elections in Hungary.
- Temporary relief for civil society and independent media in Hungary.
- Continued uncertainty about the law's future, with potential for the government to 'squeeze even more' out of the bill.
- Chilling effects already felt by smaller, weaker organizations.
- Increased scrutiny and criticism from international human rights groups and media.
What: Hungary's ruling Fidesz party postponed a parliamentary vote on draft legislation targeting foreign-funded organizations.
When: Wednesday (2025-06-04); vote postponed from mid-June until autumn.
Where: Hungary (Parliament).
Why: The government claims foreign-funded organizations threaten Hungary's sovereignty by influencing public life. The postponement is due to 'several suggestions' regarding the law, following weeks of protests and international criticism from civil rights organizations and media outlets.
How: Fidesz parliamentary party leader Mâté Kocsis announced the delay, stating that while intentions are united, there is still debate about the means.