The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and 12 partner organizations on Friday welcomed significant steps taken by Hungary’s new government to dismantle institutions captured under former prime minister Viktor Orbán and restore independence to Hungary’s public media and regulatory system.
In a joint statement following a fact-finding mission to Budapest on November 4-6, the delegation said the changes marked a “historic break with one of the worst crackdowns on press freedom in the history of the European Union.” The organizations welcomed reforms to public media governance, the dismantling of the Sovereignty Protection Office, and steps towards restoring independent media regulation.
However, the delegation warned “the real test is still to come.” The organizations called for a structured and inclusive consultation process for the next wave of reforms, stronger safeguards against future political interference, transparent state advertising, and further measures to protect independent journalism.
The delegation also called for accountability over the use of Pegasus spyware against journalists under Orbán’s government, stressing the need for “transparency, accountability and redress.”
Describing Hungary’s initial reforms as “a breath of fresh air after 16 years of serious democratic backsliding,” the delegation emphasized the importance of ensuring that no future government can seize control of the media.
A full report with findings and recommendations will be published in the coming months.
Read the full statement here.