Hungary

A new government assumed office in May 2026, promising to restore the rule of law and address deep corruption. The previous Fidesz government, under Viktor Orbán, systematically undermined the rule of law and democratic institutions for over 16 years. It curbed media freedoms, suppressed civil society, restricted peaceful assembly, stigmatized lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people with discriminatory legislation, and undermined the rights of migrants, asylum-seekers, and women and girls. The new government faces the challenge of restoring human rights, the rule of law and the independence of institutions while observing due process and democratic checks and balances.

Europe/Central Asia

April 13, 2026
Report
Hungary: New Government Needs to Restore Rule of Law
International Criminal Court

June 16, 2026
Dispatches
EU Should Build on Hungary’s Recommitment to ICC

Alice Autin

Researcher, International Justice Program
LGBT Rights

June 8, 2026
Dispatches
Hungarian Prosecutors Drop Pride-Related Charges

Kartik Raj

Senior Researcher, Europe

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April 13, 2026 Report

Hungary: New Government Needs to Restore Rule of Law

Suspend Sovereignty Protection Office; End Rule by Decree; Restore Assembly Rights
January 14, 2026 Report

Inadequate Pensions for Older People in Hungary

Rising Poverty and Barriers to Adequate Food, Medicine, Energy
February 13, 2024 Report

“I Can’t Do My Job as a Journalist”

The Systematic Undermining of Media Freedom in Hungary
December 1, 2022 Report

Trapped in a Web

The Exploitation of Personal Data in Hungary’s 2022 Elections

News

May 4, 2026 Commentary

Hungary’s Orbán Is Gone. Now the EU Unanimity Rule Should Go Too
April 24, 2026 Dispatches

Hungary’s Road Back to the Rule of Law Runs through the ICC

Authorities Should Halt Withdrawal from the Court
April 22, 2026 News Release

Hungary: Top EU Court Rules Anti-LGBT Law Unlawful

New Parliament Should Repeal Discriminatory ‘Propaganda’ Law
March 27, 2026 Dispatches

Hungary Orders Investigation of Journalist on Espionage Accusation

Authorities Should Drop Politically Motivated Case; EU Should Act to Defend Press Freedom
March 20, 2026 News Release

Hungary: Arrest Netanyahu if He Visits

EU Should Condemn Continued Disregard for Rule of Law
March 18, 2026 Dispatches

Hungary Bans Trans Rights Demonstration

Part of a Broader Campaign to Silence Dissenting Voices
March 2, 2026 Dispatches

EU Court Rebukes Hungary Over Radio License Cancellation

Efforts to Force Klubrádió Off Air Highlight Wider Media Freedom Crackdown
February 12, 2026 News Release

Hungary: Blocking Lawsuits Undermines Rule of Law

Government Uses Emergency Powers to Target Opposition-Led Cities
February 10, 2026 Dispatches

Hungary's Prosecution of a Pride Organizer is a Warning to All Protesters

EU Institutions Should Respond to Escalating Criminalization of Peaceful Assembly
February 10, 2026 Dispatches

Italy, Hungary’s Snub of ICC Arrests Should be a Wake-Up Call for the EU

Failure to Turn Over Suspects Risks International Justice Credibility