Radio Europa Libera closes in Hungary. Washington's decision, taken at Viktor Orban's request

The Hungarian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) announced on Thursday that it is shutting down “as of midnight” in accordance with orders from the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), reports AFP.

On November 7, when Viktor Orban was in Budapest for talks with Donald Trump, the US administration announced that it would shut down radio station Szabad Europa at the request of the Hungarian prime minister.

“It's really meant to destabilize that country,” USAGM chief Kari Lake had said of the radio station a day before the announcement.

The site's content “will remain available online.”

Initially closed after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the media outlet reopened in 2020 when the US Congress approved its funding amid concerns about press freedom in Hungary.

According to AFP, since Viktor Orban returned to power in 2010, numerous independent publications have gone out of business or been bought and turned into mouthpieces for his party, Fidesz, while state media have been forced to toe the government line.

RFE/RL's Hungarian service, relaunched 27 years after it was closed

Free Europe writes that the Hungarian service had been relaunched in 2020 “to provide Hungarians in Hungary with accurate and independent news and information”.

The work of journalists from the Hungarian service was praised by RFE/RL President and CEO Steve Capus.

“Their professionalism, dedication and unwavering contribution to our mission has shaped our success in significant ways, and we remain deeply grateful for all they have brought to this organization,” Capus said.

The head of the Hungarian service sent a message of gratitude to the public.

“We are grateful for the public's attention and support since the first day of our new operation, and we were honored to provide them with unique and original stories,” said Tibor Vovesz.