Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has announced plans to expose and regulate foreign financial support directed toward non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and media outlets critical of his government. His latest move targets funding from the United States, specifically through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), which he claims seeks to undermine Hungary’s sovereignty. Speaking on state radio on February 7, Orban accused these organizations of functioning as foreign “agents” attempting to interfere in Hungarian politics.

During his radio address, Orban made it clear that his government would take steps to ensure transparency regarding USAID funding to Hungarian organizations. He emphasized the need to “eliminate these foreign networks” that he believes are interfering in domestic affairs. According to Orban, such organizations do not serve their own country but rather operate in the interests of foreign powers, a claim he has long asserted about groups linked to Hungarian-American billionaire George Soros.

The prime minister has been in power since 2010 and has positioned himself as a defender of Hungarian sovereignty against what he calls “globalist” forces. His latest move aligns with a broader effort to prevent foreign influence in national affairs, particularly as Hungary heads toward its next general election in early 2026. Orban argued that recipients of foreign funds should face “legal consequences” and be “squeezed out” of Hungarian politics, as their actions pose a risk to national security and political stability.

Orban’s criticism of USAID is part of a broader trend of opposition to Western funding of civil society groups in Hungary. USAID has been active in supporting democratic institutions, independent journalism, and civil society organizations in various countries, including those in Central and Eastern Europe. However, Orban’s government views such involvement as an attempt to destabilize national institutions........

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