Hungary’s ruling party, Fidesz, has introduced a draft law aimed at amending the country’s citizenship regulations, allowing the government to suspend Hungarian citizenship in extreme cases where national security is at risk.
The proposed bill, submitted by Fidesz MP János Galash, would grant authorities the power to suspend Hungarian citizenship for a limited period in individuals who also hold citizenship from another country. The suspension would apply if the individual’s Hungarian citizenship is deemed a threat to public order, public safety, or national security in Hungary.
“The purpose of the law is to strengthen the tools for protecting national sovereignty, taking into account the regulatory practices of other countries and the specifics of the Hungarian legal system,” the proposal states.
Under the new proposal, citizenship could be suspended for individuals who meet two key criteria:
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They hold Hungarian citizenship and the citizenship of a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
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Their Hungarian citizenship is deemed to pose a threat to Hungary’s national security or public order.
The bill also stipulates that the citizenship of countries within the EEA or candidate EU member states is treated similarly. Thus, citizenship can only be suspended if the individual also holds citizenship from a non-EEA country or one that is not an EU membership candidate.
The bill outlines specific individuals who may be considered a threat to Hungary’s national security:
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Those serving in foreign military or government positions.
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Individuals acting in the interests of foreign countries or organizations in ways incompatible with Hungarian citizenship.
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Those who join terrorist organizations or groups.
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Individuals convicted of serious crimes such as crimes against humanity, treason, or financing terrorism.
The decision to suspend citizenship would be made by the appointed government minister, and the suspension period would not exceed ten years.
However, the bill includes a provision that allows individuals to appeal for the reinstatement of their citizenship if they can demonstrate to a court that their continued citizenship no longer poses a threat to national security or public safety.
Although the proposed law is aimed at enhancing national security, it must be noted that Hungary’s constitution currently offers strong protection for citizenship, stating that it can only be revoked if obtained fraudulently and within a specific time frame.
