U.S. Says Hungary's 'Sovereignty' Law Gives Government 'Draconian Tools' That Can Be Used Against Opposition

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban addresses the parliament in Budapest on December 13.

Hungary's law on "protecting national sovereignty" passed by the parliament last week has raised concern at the U.S. State Department, which says it gives the government "draconian tools that can be used to intimidate and punish those with views not shared by the ruling party." State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement on December 20 that the law was "inconsistent with our shared values of democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law." The ruling Fidesz party says the law will defend against undue political interference by foreign persons or groups.