• Hungary's parliament approves amendments limiting LGBTQ+ rights and citizenship for dual nationals.
• Government cites protection of children's development as a key rationale behind the changes.
• Protests erupted outside parliament before the vote, with opposition condemning the measures.
• Critics view these amendments as a step towards authoritarianism akin to Russia.
• The ruling Fidesz party aims to bolster its support in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.

Hungary's parliament has overwhelmingly backed constitutional amendments that will restrict the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and dual nationals, a move that critics say points to an increasingly authoritarian governance style, often referred to as "illiberal democracy" by Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The amendments were passed by a vote of 140 in favor to 21 against, amid significant protests outside the legislative building, according to BBC.

The government, led by Orban's Fidesz party, justifies these constitutional changes by asserting they aim to prioritize children's "physical, mental, and moral development" over the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. Furthermore, the amendments enshrine in the Constitution that only two genders are recognized, male and female, and effectively allow the government to prohibit public LGBTQ+ gatherings, positioning these as harmful to children's well-being, according to Reuters.

Another crucial element of the amendments empowers the government to temporarily suspend the citizenship of dual nationals who are perceived as a threat to Hungary's sovereignty. Analysts suggest this provision could be targeted at critics like Hungarian-American philanthropist George Soros, a frequent subject of Orban's scorn. The governing party has accused Soros and others of financially backing "bogus NGOs" that undermine national interests, as reported by Le Monde.

Opposition lawmakers have voiced alarm over the implications of these amendments, arguing they may foreshadow broader restrictions against any dissenting voices. Momentum party MP David Bedo highlighted that the amendments represent only the beginning of a series of measures designed to suppress opposition, indicating a significant shift towards "Putin-style" governance, as analyzed in New York Times.

The implications of these changes come as Orban faces an increasingly competitive political landscape, with new parties like Tisza gaining traction ahead of the 2026 elections. Critics argue that this legislative maneuvering is a strategic attempt to rally support for Fidesz among core conservative voters while splitting the opposition, as noted in coverage by India Times.