Hungary's 'Sovereignty' Law Sparks Controversy and Opposition Penalties

Hungary's parliament has passed a law aimed at protecting national sovereignty, which the ruling Fidesz party claims is necessary to defend against undue political interference by foreign individuals or groups. The move comes as Prime Minister Viktor Orban intensifies his party's campaign ahead of the European Parliament elections next year. The law establishes a separate authority to monitor and investigate potential risks of political interference, with penalties of up to three years in prison for parties or groups receiving banned foreign financing. Critics, including the U.S. envoy to Hungary, have raised concerns about the legislation, likening it to Russia's "foreign-agent bill." Orban, who has been in power since 2010, denies accusations of undermining democracy in Hungary.