BUDAPEST (Reuters) – Thousands of Hungarians gathered outside the headquarters of the country’s state television on Saturday, protesting against what they described as the government’s “propaganda machine” and calling for an independent public service media. Moreover, organizers of the Hungary media protest have rallied support from various opposition parties and civil rights groups. #HungaryMediaProtest
The protestors, from the opposition TISZA party, say that the state broadcaster MTVA is running biased propaganda, featuring only politicians from Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s party and government, and analysts repeating their narrative.
The centre-right TISZA party, led by media-savvy political newcomer, Peter Magyar, is posing the biggest challenge to right-wing nationalist Orban since he swept to power in 2010.
Waving the national flag and banners saying “Stop Propaganda”, thousands of TISZA supporters gathered in Budapest, shouting “We are not afraid” and “we’ve had enough” at the latest mass rally called by Magyar.
“We have had enough of the malice, the lies, the propaganda, our patience has run out,” Magyar told the crowd.
“What we have as public service media in Hungary today is a global scandal, we have had enough.”
Magyar demanded that public service TV show the protest in an “unedited” broadcast.
TISZA, which stands for Tisztelet es Szabadsag (Respect and Freedom) has 39% support among voters, compared with 43% for Orban’s Fidesz party, according to a survey published by pollster Median last month. The next elections are due in early 2026.
Magyar is addressing voters’ frustrations with Orban during an economic recovery from the inflation crisis. He has promised to root out corruption and rebuild public service media. Additionally, Magyar aims to restore democratic checks and balances, which critics claim have weakened under Orban. #HungaryMediaProtest
While the public media primarily serves as a government mouthpiece, private media is largely controlled by allies of Orban’s Fidesz.
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Their united goal is to challenge state media’s dominance and restore balanced information. Public outcry continues to grow. In addition, the Hungary media protest signals a broader struggle for freedom of speech.
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