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CPAC rejects independent journalists again, declares itself a 'No Woke Zone'
Several journalists recieved a response from CPAC Hungary to their accreditation request: “We regret to inform you that we are unable to accommodate your registration request at this time. As organizers, we must abide by one of the conference’s ironclad rules: CPAC is a NO WOKE ZONE. We look forward to welcoming you to future events when and if your organization becomes significantly less woke.”The Centre for Fundamental Rights, the entity behind CPAC Hungary, took to social media, proclaiming, "What's the basic rule at CPAC Hungary? Simple: zero woke." CPAC rejected almost all independent outlets the past two years, however, this was the first time, they attached an explanation to their decision.
Despite controversy, the event boasts an array of confirmed speakers, including the keynote speaker, Hungary's far right Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Geert Wilders, Spanish far-right politician Santiago Abascal, several US lawmakers and media figures. After the first day of the event, the organizers will hold a gala dinner for the guests at the Opera House in Budapest.
Brussels court reverses order, allowing NatCon to reconvene
After NatCon was shut down by the local authorities in Brussels, the conservative event resumed with speakers such as Viktor Orban. The closure order was challenged in court and overturned, following criticisms from Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, who labeled the actions as "unacceptable" and "unconstitutional."
Organizers of NatCon sought legal recourse from Belgium's supreme administrative court. The court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to justify concerns about public order stemming directly from the event itself. Instead, it suggested that such concerns were primarily based on potential reactions from opponents.
“I think freedom in Europe, and especially in Brussels, is in danger, as yesterday it was shown,”Orban said in his speech on Wednesday. Hungary's leader also took to X, saying:"The Belgian police decided to shut down NatCon conference in Brussels, just two hours after it started. I guess they couldn’t take free speech any longer. The last time they wanted to silence me with the police was when the Communists set them on me in ‘88. We didn’t give up then and we will not give up this time either!"
Documents unveil Orbán affiliates' role in Euronews acquisition
The acquisition of Euronews, one of Europe's major news channels, has been revealed to have deep ties Viktor Orbán, according to an investigation by Le Monde, Direkt36, and Expresso
While Alpac Capital, a Portuguese investment fund, officially purchased Euronews in 2022, the sources of funding behind the takeover remained undisclosed. However, leaked documents suggest that €45 million came from Széchenyi Funds (SZTA), a Hungarian state capital fund. Furthermore, Gyula Balásy, a key figure in Orbán's propaganda apparatus, was reportedly involved through his company, New Land Media, in the acquisition.
One of the objectives of acquiring Euronews was to counter what they perceived as left-wing bias and one-sidedness, potentially in collaboration with universities. Despite these revelations, Euronews CEO Guillaume Dubois claimed ignorance of the Hungarian state's involvement and insisted there was no external pressure to alter coverage of Hungary.
Connections between Alpac Capital and the Hungarian government run deeper, with the CEO's father, former Portuguese MEP Mario David, having served as an advisor to Orbán. Pedro Vargas David, Alpac's CEO, previously denied any Hungarian funding involvement in the Euronews deal. However, a source familiar with the transaction alleged that the directive to proceed with the investment originated from high-level Hungarian authorities.
Peter Magyar announces starting a new party
Péter Magyar, who has emerged as a challenger to the Orbán government, has disclosed his political plans ahead of the European Parliament and municipal elections in June. Magyar has announced his intention to run under the banner of the TISZA Party, a centrist movement established in 2020 without a specific ideological orientation. The National Election Committee has officially recognized TISZA for participation in both the European Parliament and municipal elections.
While Magyar has yet to release a policy platform, local media sources have indicated his advocacy for an independent Ministry of Education and Health, as well as a foreign policy stance distinct from Fidesz while still prioritizing Hungary's relationship with the European Union. Magyar expressed his willingness to align with the European People's Party (EPP) should his party secure a seat in the European Parliament. He has also voiced support for Hungary's accession to the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) as a crucial step in fighting corruption.