Gov't Submits Bill on Protecting National Sovereignty
Image by Shutterstock.com
The government submitted a bill to lawmakers on Tuesday that would establish a Sovereignty Defense Office and introduce criminal sanctions for violating the prohibition on foreign campaign financing, according to a report by state news wire MTI.
Among the tasks of the Sovereignty Defense Office would be to prepare an annual report scrutinizing the activities of organizations that could use foreign funding to influence the outcome of elections. The office would be headed by a person recommended by the prime minister and appointed by the president for a period of six years.
The bill would allow prison sentences of up to three years for people found guilty of taking or concealing prohibited foreign campaign financing.
As the BBJ reported last week, U.S. Ambassador to Hungary David Pressman said a proposal by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to target media and civic groups was potentially “very dangerous” as the leader prepares to unveil the latest crackdown on independent institutions.
“To the extent that this bill may seek to criminalize and or intimidate independent civil society and media organizations, that is very dangerous, and I hope that’s not the path that Hungary chooses to go down,” Pressman said, according to Bloomberg.
Angela Saliba Appointed New Multi-Property GM of Marriott Hu...
Hungary Welcomes Extension of China's Visa Exemption Policy
Living's Kassák Terrace and Park West 3 Classified as Brownf...
Aldi Opening Biggest Store in Budapest
SUPPORT THE BUDAPEST BUSINESS JOURNAL
Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For 27 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.
Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.
