Hungarians take to the streets over proposed internet tax
Protestors have taken to the streets of Hungarian capital Budapest in protest at a proposed tax on the internet which would see a fee of 150 forints (40p) levied for every gigabyte of use.
Demonstrators displayed their anger by chucking computer components at the doors of the country’s economy ministry whilst waving mobile phones in the air, describing the planned measure as ‘undemocratic’ and having a disproportionate effect on the poor.
Their displeasure taps into wider discontent with the authoritarian rule of prime minister Viktor Orban, who has enacted a series of measures which many see as distancing the country from Europe as it cosies up to Vladimir Putin’s Russia.
Faced with the backlash the ruling Fidesz party has opted to amend its plans by establishing a cap of 700 forints per month.