The Hungarian government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, is proposing an amendment to the constitution that could lead to the expulsion of Hungarians who hold dual nationalities from other countries if their activities are deemed to endanger the sovereignty of Hungary. The move has sparked fear and outrage among activists and NGO leaders who fear they may become targets of expulsion. A Facebook post by the parliamentary group leader of the ruling party, Fidesz, Máté Kocsis, outlined the proposed legislation, which could also be used against NGOs and journalists seen as representing foreign interests, without specifying which activities could be considered a threat to national security.
Critics of Orbán, who hold dual nationalities, have expressed concerns over the proposed amendment, fearing that they could be targeted and possibly lose their Hungarian citizenship. The historical parallels of states revoking citizenship and expelling their own citizens have been raised as a worrisome sign of the direction Hungary may be heading with this new legislation. The plans have been met with public backlash and fears of the consequences of losing citizenship. Orbán critics like historian Stefano Bottoni and journalist Csaba Lukács, who hold dual nationalities, have expressed fear and anxiety over the possibility of being expelled from the country for their views.
The proposed legislation against activists of multiple nationalities is part of a larger initiative by Orbán’s government to target foreign-funded critics in Hungary. Orbán has frequently referred to NGOs and independent media as part of a “Soros network,” blaming liberal investor George Soros for allegedly manipulating Hungarian politics. Following the election of US President Donald Trump, Orbán has escalated his actions against critics, alleging that foreign-funded individuals in Hungary are working to overthrow his government. This has led to calls for dismantling the Soros network and investigating organizations that have received funding from sources Orbán deems as disruptive to national interests.
In response to the proposed amendment, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has expressed support for the changes and called for a law similar to the US Magnitsky Act to defend national interests. The exact text of the new legislation has not been made public, and a parliamentary vote has not been scheduled. However, with the Fidesz-KDNP party alliance holding an absolute majority in the parliament, the swift passage of any proposals by the governing party is likely. The targeting of activists, journalists, and individuals holding dual nationalities in Hungary has raised concerns about the erosion of democratic freedoms and the potential for further crackdowns on dissenting voices in the country.
The proposed amendment to the Hungarian constitution targeting individuals holding dual nationalities highlights the government’s efforts to silence critics and maintain control over the country’s political landscape. By framing dual citizens as potential threats to national sovereignty, the government is creating a climate of fear and suspicion among those who hold multiple nationalities. Critics of Viktor Orbán, including activists, journalists, and NGO leaders, have expressed outrage and concern over the potential consequences of this legislation, with fears of losing citizenship and being expelled from the country. The move is part of a broader initiative by Orbán’s government to target foreign-funded critics and dismantle what they perceive as a disruptive influence in Hungarian politics.
The escalating crackdown on activists and individuals with multiple nationalities in Hungary follows a pattern of increasing authoritarianism by the government, with Orbán using the rhetoric of defending national interests to justify targeting those who criticize his leadership. By aligning himself with right-wing populists and invoking conspiracy theories about foreign influence, Orbán has sought to strengthen his grip on power and stifle dissent. The proposed amendment to the constitution represents a significant threat to democratic norms and freedoms in Hungary, raising concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the potential for further repression of opposition voices. As the government moves forward with its plans, the international community must closely monitor the situation to ensure that human rights and democratic principles are upheld in Hungary.
