Hungary takes steps to reveal USAID financing
Prime Minister Viktor Orban has revealed intentions to reveal foreign financial support for organizations that he claims threaten his administration. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has revealed plans to ensure transparency regarding foreign financial support for organizations that challenge his government. During a state radio address on Friday, Orban stressed the urgency of “eliminating these foreign networks” that interfere in Hungary's internal matters, specifically mentioning programs from the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
Aligning himself with the Trump administration, Orban noted the proposal to integrate USAID into the State Department as part of the "America First" initiative. He stated, “In America, we would call them agents, as they do not serve their own country but accept money from another power... We don’t call them agents... but these are people and organizations paid from abroad whose job is to overthrow the Hungarian government,” underscoring his perspective on the impact of foreign funding on national sovereignty.
Orban, who has held office since 2010 and is preparing for elections in early 2026, asserted that those receiving foreign funds should face “legal consequences” and be “squeezed out” since they are seen as a threat to Hungarian sovereignty.
In late 2023, Orban’s administration set up the Sovereignty Protection Office to monitor political interference risks. Hungary has prohibited foreign financing for parties or electoral groups, imposing penalties that could include up to three years in prison for violations.
In February 2024, the European Commission initiated an infringement procedure concerning this law, indicating concerns about its potential to jeopardize the EU's democratic values and fundamental rights.
Historically, Orban has enacted measures against organizations funded by foreign sources, particularly those associated with Hungarian-American billionaire George Soros. He has consistently accused Soros of intervening in Hungary's domestic policies, promoting a globalist agenda, and undermining traditional family values.
In 2018, Hungary enacted a “Stop Soros” law targeting NGOs that assist asylum seekers. That same year, the Soros-funded Open Society Foundations announced its relocation from Budapest to Berlin, citing a repressive climate under Orban's governance. Additionally, Hungary has facilitated the closure of Central European University, which moved to Vienna amid regulatory difficulties.
The European Union has suspended funding to Orban's government, alleging violations of democratic norms.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
Aligning himself with the Trump administration, Orban noted the proposal to integrate USAID into the State Department as part of the "America First" initiative. He stated, “In America, we would call them agents, as they do not serve their own country but accept money from another power... We don’t call them agents... but these are people and organizations paid from abroad whose job is to overthrow the Hungarian government,” underscoring his perspective on the impact of foreign funding on national sovereignty.
Orban, who has held office since 2010 and is preparing for elections in early 2026, asserted that those receiving foreign funds should face “legal consequences” and be “squeezed out” since they are seen as a threat to Hungarian sovereignty.
In late 2023, Orban’s administration set up the Sovereignty Protection Office to monitor political interference risks. Hungary has prohibited foreign financing for parties or electoral groups, imposing penalties that could include up to three years in prison for violations.
In February 2024, the European Commission initiated an infringement procedure concerning this law, indicating concerns about its potential to jeopardize the EU's democratic values and fundamental rights.
Historically, Orban has enacted measures against organizations funded by foreign sources, particularly those associated with Hungarian-American billionaire George Soros. He has consistently accused Soros of intervening in Hungary's domestic policies, promoting a globalist agenda, and undermining traditional family values.
In 2018, Hungary enacted a “Stop Soros” law targeting NGOs that assist asylum seekers. That same year, the Soros-funded Open Society Foundations announced its relocation from Budapest to Berlin, citing a repressive climate under Orban's governance. Additionally, Hungary has facilitated the closure of Central European University, which moved to Vienna amid regulatory difficulties.
The European Union has suspended funding to Orban's government, alleging violations of democratic norms.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
