This seems like an existential threat to Hungary's independent sector. Besides practically forbidding any criticism of Hungary's "democracy" if an organization or media outlet receives foreign funding (including EU money), it would make receiving domestic funding difficult as well. - ThreadSky

zecsaky.bsky.social • 1 day ago

This seems like an existential threat to Hungary's independent sector. Besides practically forbidding any criticism of Hungary's "democracy" if an organization or media outlet receives foreign funding (including EU money), it would make receiving domestic funding difficult as well.

Reposted from Dániel G. Szabó

@politico.eu: "The bill says threats to national sovereignty include influencing public opinion, promoting democratic debate, or challenging state-defined values like Christian culture and traditional family roles."

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hjelms.bsky.social•21 hours ago

https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/trumpland-with-alex-wagner/id1638974657?l=da&i=1000705779729

zecsaky.bsky.social•1 day ago

OK, let’s look at the details -- they provide a playbook for any aspiring autocrat. Organizations receiving foreign funding can be listed, penalized, and potentially banned if they “influence” public discourse & the Sovereignty Protection office deems they threaten Hungary’s sovereignty. 🧵

zecsaky.bsky.social•1 day ago

First, what counts as foreign funding? The draft law is very broad: it includes support coming from a foreign entity or foreign citizen, incl Hungarian dual citizens. In theory, this could mean an NGO winning an EU grant or a media outlet receiving $1 super thanks on YT.

miklosgyalog.bsky.social•1 day ago

It could even come from a supporter of Orbán from abroad, maliciously funding an ideological enemy from abroad.

zecsaky.bsky.social•1 day ago

What is threat to 🇭🇺 sovereignty? The bar is very low, it also includes “portraying in a negative light”
• Hungary’s democracy & rule of law
• National unity & belonging
• Primacy of marriage, family & biological sex
• Peace, security & internat’al cooperation
• Const’al identity, Christian culture

zecsaky.bsky.social•1 day ago

What happens to listed organizations? They can’t receive donations under the 1% tax scheme, can’t take foreign money unless cleared by the anti-money laundering agency & their leaders need to submit asset declarations.

zecsaky.bsky.social•1 day ago

Additionally, anyone donating to such organizations need to provide a formal declaration that the funding doesn’t come from abroad. Essentially then, listed organizations could be stripped from foreign AND domestic funds.

zecsaky.bsky.social•1 day ago

If a listed organization receives funding that’s not cleared by the anti-money laundering agency, it faces a fine of 25x the value. If it fails to pay the fine, it can be barred from influencing public discourse. If its leaders fail to submit declarations, the organization can be banned.

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