 Viktor Orban |
Barnes & Thornburg has picked up government relations work for Hungary's Washington embassy, primarily in the areas of religious freedom and immigration.
Human rights activists and politicos have accused Hungary's right-wing leader Viktor Orban of cracking down on religious rights.
Pew Research Center has cited Hungary as one of seven countries to pass emergency laws in 2016 to restrict religion within its borders. Those measures specifically target Muslims.
Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, hammered Hungary's prime minister on Nov. 8 for tolerating "xenophobia, nationalism and anti-Semitism while undermining liberal democracy," according to the UK's Independent.
Orban met with US Ambassador Sam Brownback, ex-Kansas Republican Governor and Senator, on Nov. 15 in Budapest to discuss efforts to curb anti-Semitism in Europe and ways to return Christian migrants to their homes in the Middle East.
B&T's contract with Hungarian ambassador Laszio Szabo calls for a flat $50K fee for work from Nov. 7 though Jan. 21.
Craig Burkhardt heads the effort for Hungary's embassy.
He's a Republican operative who worked for George W. Bush's legal team during the 2000 Florida recount, served as chief counsel for technology in the Commerce Dept. and provided legal assistance to the Trump campaign and transition teams.
Havas Media Germany has hired Piro Inc. to further the digital push of the Israel Government Advertising Agency to sway US public opinion.
Hogan Lovells has signed a $100K monthly pact to represent Venezuela’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, and its Washington embassy.
Liberia has agreed to pay a $100K monthly retainer to Ballard Partners for counsel on how to improve its relations with the US.
Romania has signed a $565K monthly contract with Eversheds Sutherland for strategic counsel and government relations activities.
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office has enlisted Checkmate Government Relations for strategic counsel under a six-month pact worth $300K.
