In Hungary, the government is preparing a new law that could deal a serious blow to independent journalism, just one year ahead of national elections, reported by Reuters. The proposed legislation, titled “On the Transparency of Public Life”, would give Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s administration sweeping powers to monitor and restrict any organization receiving foreign funding — including independent media outlets, NGOs, and academic institutions.
Szilárd Teczár, head of Lakmusz, Hungary’s only independent fact-checking platform, warns the law could shut down his operation overnight. “If this law passes, we lose our current funding immediately,” he says. Lakmusz is part of the Hungarian Digital Media Observatory and works with international fact-checking networks to combat disinformation — efforts largely supported by foreign grants, including those from the European Union.
While the law’s title suggests a push for transparency, critics argue it is a thinly veiled attempt to silence dissent. If passed, the law would classify any foreign-funded organization as a potential threat to national sovereignty. Those listed by the government would face strict regulations: they could only accept foreign donations with state approval, and their leaders would be forced to disclose personal financial information. Even existing contracts with foreign donors would be voided, and violations could result in crippling fines or forced closures.
Teczár says the legislation would end critical projects, such as monitoring political speech on social media during the upcoming election campaign. The timing raises further concern, as Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party trails in the polls behind challenger Péter Magyar of the Tisza party.
International watchdogs are sounding alarms. Fritz Hausjell, president of Reporters Without Borders Austria, says the law marks another step toward authoritarianism in an EU member state. “It’s clearly designed to bankrupt and discredit independent media,” he said, calling the move deliberate and dangerous. “These are not amateurs — they know exactly what they’re doing.”
