Hungary: Demonstration planned in Budapest November 16

Event

The Momentum Movement political party and civil society groups have called for a demonstration to take place in Budapest on Friday, November 16. According to the organizers, the demonstration is being staged to protest the partial closure of the Central European University campus. Demonstrators are expected to gather at Egyetem square from 18:30 to 20:00 (local time). Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are to be anticipated near the demonstration.

Context

The Central European University, a US-accredited institution, announced on October 25 that it will downsize its Budapest campus and move most of its programs to Austria. The conservative Hungarian government passed "Lex CEU" in 2017 requiring foreign-registered universities operating in Hungary to provide courses in any country where their diplomas are accredited. Although the university began offering courses in New York beginning in 2018, it claims the government has restricted its ability to operate freely. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has alleged that the institution has attempted to denigrate the Hungarian national identity and promote immigration into the country.

Advice

Individuals in Budapest are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.