The Open Society Foundations, backed by US-Hungarian billionaire George Soros, is to close its Budapest branch and open a new one in Berlin by the end of August.
Hungarian-born US billionaire George Soros established the OSF in the early 1990s with the aim of promoting democracies in formerly communist states of Eastern Europe. However, the organisation has faced intense pressure in Hungary after Prime Minister Viktor Orbán took power in 2010.
Orban has portrayed Soros as a powerful and sinister figure intent on undermining the authority of the state and reversing Orban’s strict anti-migrant policies. The Hungarian prime minister is currently pushing legislation dubbed the “Stop Soros” plan to crack down on NGOs and their foreign founders.
Late last year, a ruling party politician posted a photo of a dead pig with Soros’ name on it. Soros has also faced increased pressure from right-wingers in other parts of the world, including the UK and the US, for his support of liberal policies and opposition to Brexit.