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Thousands protest against Viktor Orban’s government in Budapest

Saturday 5th 2024 on 19:34 in  
Iceland

Thousands gathered in Budapest today to protest against Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government and what they described as nationalist “propaganda” in state media. The demonstration took place in front of the headquarters of the Hungarian public broadcasting service, MTVA, where attendees waved national flags and held banners reading “Independent Public Media” and “Not Left, Not Right, Just Hungarian!”

The protest was organized by TISZA, an opposition party led by Peter Magyar, a vocal critic of Orban. Magyar addressed the crowd, stating, “Enough of the lies, enough of the propaganda. Patience is running out; it’s time for accountability.”

Earlier this week, it was reported that the European Commission has initiated legal action against the Hungarian government over legislation critics claim targets free civil society and media. This case is now under consideration by the European Court of Justice.

Since Orban reclaimed the premiership in 2010, independent media outlets have either shut down or become mouthpieces for the government. Public media has been compelled to adopt the Fidesz party’s political line, with MTVA being labeled as a promoter of Orban’s narrative, rarely publishing criticism of the government while focusing more on attacking political opponents.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) assessed MTVA’s coverage during the 2022 parliamentary elections as biased toward the ruling party, which it stated undermined voters’ ability to make informed choices.

Source 
(via ruv.is)