Action for Democracy Condemns Hungary's Assault on Democracy and Civil Society

Action for Democracy strongly condemns the Hungarian government's latest attack on democratic freedoms and civil society. The "Transparency of Public Life" bill, introduced by the ruling Fidesz party on May 13, 2025, represents an alarming escalation in authoritarian consolidation and poses an existential threat to independent civil society, media freedom, and democratic values in Hungary.

This draconian legislation empowers the government's Sovereignty Protection Office to arbitrarily blacklist organizations receiving any foreign support—including EU funding—if they dare to criticize the government or challenge its positions. Blacklisted organizations face severe consequences, including financial strangulation, intrusive surveillance, asset freezes, and organizational bans with no meaningful legal recourse.

"This legislation goes beyond even the repressive 'foreign agent' laws of Russia and Georgia, effectively criminalizing independent civil society in Hungary," said David Koranyi, President of Action for Democracy. "Under the guise of 'transparency' and 'sovereignty protection,' the Orbán regime is dismantling the last remaining pillars of Hungary's democracy."

The bill's provisions are deliberately broad and vague, allowing the government to target any organization that deviates from the ruling party's ideology. By creating a web of surveillance and financial restrictions, the legislation will have a chilling effect on free speech, civic engagement, and political discourse throughout Hungarian society.

We strongly urge the Hungarian government to refrain from these repressive actions and abandon this dangerous path of authoritarian consolidation.

On behalf of Action for Democracy, we send a clear message to the Hungarian people, the independent Hungarian press, and civil society organizations: we stand firmly with you in your struggle to restore liberal democracy and the rule of law in Hungary. 

About Action for Democracy

Action for Democracy is committed to defending democratic values, human rights, and civil society worldwide.

Action for Democracy is a U.S.-based 501 (c) (4) nonpartisan organization that organizes diaspora communities and democracy defenders to support frontline NGOs protecting and rebuilding their democracies by broadening democratic participation, promoting genuine elections, encouraging transparency and accountable governance, and combating hate, fear, and exclusion. A4D is building a global pro-democracy solidarity movement in response to an increasingly concerted global effort by authoritarian actors to erode democracy.