A news site revelation that President Katalin Novák pardoned a man convicted of covering up sexual abuse in a children’s home (in a decision countersigned by Justice Minister Judit Varga) unleashed unprecedented political pressure on the ruling elite, known for its traditional family-oriented politics. The scandal triggered concerns regarding the transparency and ethical considerations involved in pardon decisions and their potential impact on depriving victims of due justice. Investigative journalists reported that Zoltán Balog, the leader of the Hungarian Reformed Church, advisor and mentor to President Novák, and former Fidesz MP and minister in Orbán’s government, influenced this presidential pardon. Following pressure from the opposition and public outcry (including widespread protests), Novák and Varga resigned on 10 February. Novák made history as the country's first female president, while Varga was among the two women in Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's male-dominated cabinet. On 26 February, the parliament elected the ruling coalition Fidesz-KNDP's candidate Tamás Sulyok, former chief of the Constitutional Court, as the new president.

Sources: 444.hu, Index, Reuters (1), Reuters (2), Daily News Hungary, BBC, Balkan Insight, Hungarian Government, Associated Press, VSquare

On 12 December, the parliament passed a law to protect “national sovereignty,” targeting what the ruling Fidesz party views as unwarranted foreign political interference, particularly through funding to political parties during the electoral campaigns. The legislation, passed with 141 votes in favour and 50 against, establishes the Sovereignty Protection Office, equipped with extensive investigative powers. This office can scrutinize NGOs and individuals engaged in public discourse, initiating investigations into those suspected of serving foreign interests. The Penal Code now states that those who are found to have accepted foreign funding while running for office may face up to three years in prison. The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights urged Fidesz to abandon the proposal, expressing concerns about potential misuse of sensitive data. Four major political groups voiced deep concerns about threats to the rule of law in a letter to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Critics, including rights groups, warned the law resembles Russia's foreign agent legislation, posing risks to freedom of expression and independent journalism.

Sources: Euronews, Index (1), Index (2), Reuters (1), Reuters (2), International Press Institute, S&D Group (X), Committee to Protect Journalists

Update: In October, the European Commission referred Hungary to the European Court of Justice over its ‘Defence of Sovereignty’ law, citing violations of privacy, free speech and assembly, and presumption of innocence. If found to be in breach of EU law, the country may face a fine. A ruling is expected in the coming years. 

Sources: Euronews, Euractiv, Al Jazeera, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Transparency International 

The European Commission unblocked EUR 10.2 billion in cohesion funds for Hungary, nearly a year after freezing the funds due to the country's failure to address rule-of-law concerns. This decision enables the government to submit reimbursement requests for development projects. Didier Reynders, the European Commissioner for Justice, emphasized that improved judicial independence guarantees have been received, cautioning this is not the conclusion of the process and indicating ongoing vigilance for any potential setbacks. Approximately EUR 21 billion in funding for Hungary remains locked. Some observers said that the release of funds is part of negotiations with Hungary not to oppose accession negotiations with Ukraine and not to block funds and military aid to Ukraine. The European Commission maintains that its decision is a procedural response to Hungary's judicial reform. Amnesty International and the Hungarian Helsinki Committee argue that the reform inadequately addresses the concerns raised by Brussels, since the solutions violate rule of law by breaching relevant legislation, neglecting public consultations and civil society’s proposals.

Sources: European Commission, Euronews, Deutsche Welle, Politico, Balkan Insight, Hungarian Helsinki Committee, Magyar Hand

Despite protests by teachers, students and parents, the parliament has voted in favour of a controversial education law, which enters into force on 1 January 2024. The law abolishes teachers’ status as public servants, limiting their rights and restricting their autonomy. Further, the maintainer of their educational institution, which in most cases is the state, will determine their salaries based on their performance. Critics fear that loyalty to the state will count towards better performance evaluations. By 29 September, teachers can either accept these conditions or resign. More than 5,000 have already pledged to resign in a March petition. They consider the bill a government retaliation against their 1.5 years of striking for better pay and working conditions. Trade unions have criticized the law for overloading teachers and masking staff shortages, whereas the president, Katalin Novák, insists that it “ensures the [...] functioning of the public education system”.

Sources: President of Hungary, Associated Press, Telex, 24.hu, Euronews, European Commission

The European Court of Justice has ruled that Hungary broke EU law when it introduced a new law during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 making procedures more difficult for asylum seekers. The judgment found that the law deprived “third-country nationals or stateless persons concerned of the effective enjoyment of their right to seek asylum from Hungary”. The rules forced asylum seekers, including those already in Hungary, to submit a pre-asylum application at Hungarian embassies in Serbia or Ukraine before applying for international protection in Hungary. Authorities said that certain asylum seekers, such as Ukrainians, were exempt from the rules. The case was brought forth by the European Commission, which will now have to decide between demanding that Hungary repeal the regulation and levying fines.

Sources: Euractiv, Politico