Hungary’s parliament is expected to pass constitutional amendments on Monday, further restricting LGBTQ+ rights and altering citizenship laws, as part of Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s efforts to consolidate power and target his political opponents.
Orban, who has been in power since 2010, has a history of limiting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, media, and academic institutions. His recent remarks about an “Easter cleanup” signal an escalation against his critics.
The proposed constitutional changes, which define gender as strictly male or female and allow for the stripping of citizenship from dual nationals, have drawn criticism.
Ahead of the vote, protesters temporarily blocked parliament entrances, highlighting the growing opposition to these measures.
Critics argue the new laws, including those restricting Pride marches and altering citizenship rules, further erode democratic freedoms in Hungary.
The legislation regarding citizenship, which could affect individuals like George Soros, has been condemned by legal experts as violating international human rights standards.
Analysts suggest these moves reflect a trend towards “soft Putinism” in Hungary, where the government increasingly limits the space for opposition voices. They also view these changes as a strategy to bolster Orban’s declining support, divide the opposition, and appeal to far-right voters before the upcoming elections.
Orban’s actions are seen as an attempt to control the political narrative, shifting public attention away from issues like failing public services and economic problems.
This comes as former Orban ally Peter Magyar’s new party gains popularity, posing a significant challenge to Orban’s ruling coalition.
The controversy surrounding the Pride march ban has also created a political dilemma for Magyar, potentially impacting his support base.
