Protests over proposed state control of Hungarian theatres

Thousands demonstrated in Budapest on Monday against a bill that would make funding for theatres conditional on a state appointee having a say in selecting theatre directors. Hungary's government said the change would make it clear that a theatre's operation is the responsibility of its financial backer but critics counter it will harm independence in the arts. The bill says that cultural activities would be expected to "actively protect the interests of the nation's survival, well-being and growth".