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A proposed amendment to Hungary’s constitution could allow the government to expel Hungarian citizens who hold dual nationalities if they are deemed a threat to the country’s sovereignty. Under the new legislation, individuals whose actions are perceived to endanger national security, public order, territorial integrity, or Hungary’s sovereignty could face removal from the country. This move has raised concerns about its potential use to target critics or those with ties to foreign entities.
Csaba Lukács, a journalist at the independent Magyar Hang weekly who holds Romanian and Hungarian passports, also voiced his concerns on social media, fearing he might lose his Hungarian citizenship. He drew parallels to the rule of Romanian communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu.
Orbán's recent actions against foreign-funded critics are part of a broader initiative to eliminate such voices in Hungary. After the electoral victory of US President Donald Trump, Orbán took decisive steps. In a radio speech on February 7, he accused some Hungarians of receiving foreign funding from Soros, the US government, and Brussels to overthrow his government. He called for these individuals to be "swept away" and for the "entire Soros network" to be dismantled.
The Hungarian government’s proposed constitutional amendment has sparked concerns among activists and NGO leaders, as it could lead to the expulsion of Hungarian citizens who hold dual nationalities if they are deemed a threat to the country’s sovereignty.
Critics of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his administration, particularly those with dual citizenship, fear they could be targeted under the new legislation.
The proposed changes were announced by Máté Kocsis, the parliamentary group leader of the ruling Fidesz party, in a Facebook post on Sunday. The amendment would allow the government to expel dual citizens if their actions are perceived to endanger Hungary’s national sovereignty, public order, territorial integrity, or security.
Kocsis suggested that the measure could be applied to NGOs, journalists, and others viewed by the government as promoting foreign interests. He also made indirect references to George Soros, the Hungarian-born American financier and philanthropist, who has frequently been a target of the Orbán government.
Kocsis accused foreign entities of meddling in Hungary’s internal affairs, including election processes, and engaging in defamatory campaigns against the country across Europe. The proposed amendment has raised alarms about its potential use to suppress dissent and target individuals or organizations critical of the government.
