Posted 11/23/2023, 5:00:00 AM
Orbán Proposes New Sovereignty Office to Target Critics, Raising Concerns of Authoritarian Crackdown
- Orbán accused of trying to silence critics in Hungary with proposed "sovereignty protection office" that would investigate foreign influence
- Office would have broad powers to target civil society groups, journalists, companies - critics say deliberately vague
- Part of Orbán's pattern of undermining opponents by creating imaginary enemies, distracting voters
- Comes amid anti-EU billboard campaign depicting Von der Leyen and Soros, raising antisemitism concerns
- Government denies allegations, says office aimed at deterring groups from accepting foreign funds, but critics say attack on dissent