Since taking power in the 2010 elections, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Alliance of Young Democrats–Hungarian Civic Union (Fidesz) party has pushed through constitutional and legal changes that have allowed it to consolidate control over the country’s independent institutions. The Fidesz government has passed laws that hamper the operations of opposition groups, journalists, universities, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that are critical of the ruling party or whose perspectives Fidesz otherwise finds unfavorable.

• Government pressure against independent media continued, with outlets and journalists critical of the government frequently characterized by government officials and supporters as purveyors of fake news or foreign-backed security threats. In December, the European Commission opened a new infringement procedure against Hungary for failing to comply with the European Media Freedom Act, saying the country did not meet “provisions regarding interference in the work of journalists and media outlets in Hungary, restricting their economic activities and editorial freedom,” among other concerns.
• The opposition Tisza party led most opinion polls in the run-up to the 2026 elections. The media ecosystem featured “deepfake” videos meant to discredit Tisza party leader Péter Magyar, which were generated by artificial intelligence (AI) but not labeled as such.
• In June, lawmakers approved the Hungarian Law on the Protection of Local Identity, which allowed municipal authorities power to determine who may move into localities, and it took effect in July. By December, about 180 municipalities had reportedly adopted decrees under the law, with some making acquisition of real estate or permission to move in conditional on criteria such as possessing a high school diploma, proof of employment, a clean criminal record, or Hungarian language proficiency. Experts and Roma rights organizations criticized the measure, warning that it could reinforce segregation. Separately, in March, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education called on Hungarian authorities to enforce antisegregation policies to prevent Romany students from being wrongly placed in special education classes.
• In March, the State Audit Office filed a criminal complaint against the Hungarian National Bank, alleging mismanagement of public funds resulting in losses of hundreds of billions’ worth of forints. Information regarding the status of the investigation was not made public.
• In April, lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment banning public events that fail to comply with the 2021 Child Protection Act, which banned the public portrayal to children of “divergence from self-identity corresponding to sex at birth, sex change, or homosexuality.” Budapest police consequently banned a planned LGBT+ Pride march. However, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony authorized the march as a municipal event called Budapest Pride Freedom, marking the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Hungary in 1991. The event reportedly drew more than 100,000 people when it took place in June. In August, Karácsony was questioned by police in connection with allegations he helped organize an LGBT+ march.

This report has been abridged for Freedom in the World 2026 due to ongoing budget constraints. Freedom in the World is entirely funded by nongovernmental sources such as private foundations, corporations, and individuals like you. Please consider making a donation to support future editions of this vital resource.

For additional background information, see last year’s full report.