Hungary is turning a new page on civil rights, aiming to move beyond years of conflict with Brussels. The Budapest Parliament has voted to repeal several anti-LGBTQ+ measures enacted under Viktor Orbán's government, marking a significant shift in the political landscape under Prime Minister Péter Magyar.
The reform passed with 139 votes in favor and 51 against, targeting the controversial 2021 law that, under the guise of protecting minors, imposed severe restrictions on the portrayal of homosexuality and gender identities. This legislation had sparked international protests and heightened tensions between Budapest and European institutions.
This vote is one of the first major initiatives by the new administration concerning individual freedoms. Magyar, who took office last May following Orbán's electoral defeat, is striving to steer Hungarian politics in a new direction, focusing on restoring international credibility and rebuilding relations with the European Union.
The legislation passed five years ago had become one of the most debated measures of the Orbán era. The restrictions, justified by the previous government as necessary to protect minors, were deemed discriminatory by civil rights organizations and contested at the EU level. The new parliamentary action modifies some of these provisions, though it doesn't necessarily eliminate all the restrictive measures from previous years.
This shift in rights coincides with another development poised to have tangible effects on Hungary's economy. On the same day, the EU Council authorized the release of €4.2 billion in cohesion funds that had been frozen due to rule of law violations attributed to the previous administration.
The funds were suspended in December 2022 under the EU's conditionality mechanism, which allows for limiting access to community funds when certain institutional deficiencies threaten the proper management of the Union's budget.
Brussels' decision follows months of discussions with the Magyar government and reflects a favorable assessment of the reforms initiated by the new administration. This is not an automatic result of the vote on LGBTQ+ laws but rather part of a broader review of Hungary's institutional policies.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the news, calling it the start of a new chapter for Hungary and the entire Union.
The thaw between Budapest and Brussels also extends to the academic world. With the lifting of EU restrictions, Hungarian universities can once again fully benefit from the opportunities offered by the Erasmus+ program, reopening international mobility for students and academic staff.
This outcome was highlighted by European Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath, who acknowledged the progress made by the Hungarian government in strengthening the rule of law and revising decisions made by the previous administration.
According to McGrath, collaboration between Budapest authorities and EU institutions has led to significant achievements in a relatively short time. However, the commissioner noted that the reform process is not yet complete and further actions are needed to ensure full compliance with European democratic standards.
The issue of the procedure initiated in 2018 by the European Parliament against Hungary for potential violations of the Union's fundamental values remains unresolved. The unblocking of funds does not automatically close this process, which follows different institutional rules and competencies.
For the Magyar government, the day holds dual significance. Domestically, the parliamentary vote signals a shift from one of the most controversial policies of the Orbán administration. Internationally, the recovery of EU funds and the resumption of academic cooperation indicate improved relations with Brussels.
The new prime minister now faces the challenge of consolidating these achievements and proving that the promised change after the elections can lead to lasting transformation in national institutions and legislation.
For the European Union, Hungary's change opens the prospect of less contentious relations with a country that has long been at the center of heated debates over judicial independence, fundamental freedoms, and adherence to community rules.
(Associated Medias) - Tutti i diritti sono riservati