Hungary: Demonstration planned in Budapest October 26

Event

The Momentum Movement political party and affiliated groups will protest the partial closure of the Central European University campus in Budapest from 18:00 to 20:00 (local time) on Friday, October 26. The US Embassy in Hungary issued a demonstration alert reporting that the protest will take place at the university campus located at Nádor utca 9 in District 5, and as many as 2000 people are expected to participate. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are to be anticipated near the demonstration.

Context

The Central European University, a US-accredited institution founded by philanthropist George Soros, announced on October 25 that it will downsize its Budapest campus and move most of its programs to Austria. The conservative Hungarian government, which is openly critical of George Soros, 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 Soros-associated institutions have 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.