Is authoritarianism returning to Hungary? - Aljazeera.com

The country's new constitution draws international criticism.

Hungary's prime minister Viktor Orban (left) has been pushing for constitutional changes since last year and has sparked mass protests in the process.

Critics say Orban is using his party's majority to pass undemocratic laws.

Hungary's constitutional changes took effect on New Year's Day. On Jan 2, thousands of citizens protested in front of the Budapest opera house, where Prime Minister Viktor Orban and other dignitaries celebrated the constitution inside.<br>

Below, video from the demonstration:

Pro-Orban supporters also came out to counter the demonstrations.

Hungary's new legislation has lead the European Union to launch legal action against Hungary for violating EU laws regarding the judiciary and the independence of the central bank.

This video shows the extreme-right Jobbik party burning the EU flag in front of the European Commission offices in Budapest. 

The EU Commission controversy comes just as Hungary is seeking a bailout loan from the EU and the International Monetary Fund. 

Spokespeople Olivier Bailly and Ryan Heath explain the European commission's views on Hungary's new constitution. 

Prime minister Viktor Orban explains the political difficulties of trying to implement EU laws in Hungary's parliament.

Interactive site answers questions on #eu spending in #Hungary using maps, photos + videos http://ow.ly/8uWeO #regiostars

— EU Regional Policy (EU_Regional) Tue, Jan 17 2012 10:44:06

In December, opposition MPs chained themselves outside the parliament to protest the changes. The protesters, including former socialist prime minister Ferenc Gyurcsany, were arrested soon after.

Last year, critics of the country's media laws launched the "One Million for the Freedom of Press in Hungary" campaign, or "Egymillióan a magyar sajtószabadságért!" The campaign recorded comments from prominent Hungarians and archived them on its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=133068773441381">Facebook</a> page.

Below is video of an anti-government protest that took place Oct 23, the day when Hungarians mark the revolution against Soviet rule.

Protest music and satire has been inspired by the anti-Orban demonstrations.

<p>Hungarian activist Dorottya Karsay sings <em>"Nem tetszik</em> a rendszer" or "I Don't Like the System."<b></b></p>

This satirical video against the ruling Fidesz party shows two Hungarian journalists singing and dancing throughout the parliament.