Published: December 13 2023
Hungary's Parliament has recently established the Sovereignty Protection Office to safeguard the country's national interests. This move comes in response to increasing unlawful attacks on Hungary's sovereignty and attempts by foreign entities to gain influence in the country.
The Establishment of the Sovereignty Protection Office
A new law has been approved by lawmakers, allowing for the creation of the Sovereignty Protection Office. The bill, submitted by ruling party MPs, received 140 votes in favor and 50 against. Its purpose is to counter foreign influence operations and protect Hungary's sovereignty.
Objectives and Responsibilities of the Sovereignty Protection Office
The Sovereignty Protection Office has several key objectives and responsibilities. It will conduct investigations into organizations funded from abroad that may influence the outcome of elections. The office will analyze submitted information to determine if national sovereignty is being enforced and recommend measures to protect Hungary's sovereignty. Additionally, the office will uncover interest representation and disinformation activities carried out by foreign states or organizations.
Appointment and Term of the Head of the Office
The head of the Sovereignty Protection Office will be appointed by the President of the Republic, based on the prime minister's recommendation. The term of the head will be six years, starting on February 1, 2024.
Criminal Sanctions for Accepting Foreign Campaign Donations
As part of the new law, criminal sanctions have been introduced for accepting foreign campaign donations. Candidates or members of organizations who make use of foreign money or gain a financial advantage by concealing its origin may face up to three years in prison, according to the amended Penal Code.
In conclusion, the establishment of the Sovereignty Protection Office is a significant step taken by Hungary to safeguard its national interests and protect its sovereignty against foreign influence. The office will play a crucial role in investigating and countering activities that may threaten Hungary's sovereignty and decision-making processes.
Questions & Answers
What is the Sovereignty Protection Office in Hungary? The Sovereignty Protection Office is a new autonomous state administration authority established to safeguard Hungary's national interests and protect its sovereignty.
Why was the Sovereignty Protection Office created? The office was created in response to increasing unlawful attacks against Hungary's sovereignty and foreign entities attempting to gain influence in Hungary to enforce their own interests against those of the country.
Who passed the law to establish the Sovereignty Protection Office? The law to establish the Sovereignty Protection Office was passed by lawmakers in Hungary's Parliament.
What was the vote count for the bill to establish the Sovereignty Protection Office? The bill was passed with 140 votes in favor and 50 against.
What prompted the need for the Sovereignty Protection Office? The preamble of the law cites the millions of US dollars in campaign donations received by the left-wing opposition ahead of the 2022 general election as evidence of foreign entities attempting to gain influence in Hungary.
What is the role of the Sovereignty Protection Office? The office is tasked with investigating organizations whose activities funded from abroad may influence the outcome of the elections. It will analyze information submitted by these organizations, recommend measures and legislation to protect Hungary's sovereignty, and compile an annual sovereignty report.
How is the head of the Sovereignty Protection Office appointed? The head of the office will be appointed by the President of the Republic at the proposal of the prime minister for a six-year term, starting on February 1, 2024.
What are the responsibilities of the Sovereignty Protection Office? The responsibilities of the office include analyzing information to determine if national sovereignty is being enforced, uncovering interest representation or disinformation activities carried out in the interest of other states or foreign organizations, and identifying and investigating organizations receiving foreign support to influence the elections.
What criminal sanctions are introduced regarding foreign campaign donations? The amended Penal Code states that a candidate or member of the organization nominating them who made use of foreign money or gained a financial advantage by concealing the origin of prohibited foreign funding is criminally liable and faces up to three years in prison.
