The Open Society Foundation, established by American financier of Hungarian descent George Soros, has recently relocated its operations from Budapest to Berlin. This move comes after facing involuntary pressure in Hungary, where the foundation has been met with opposition. The foundation has shifted 80 employees and their families to the German capital, with plans to eventually have a team of 150 people working there, as stated by Goran Buldioski, the director of the Berlin office.
George Soros, an 88-year-old philanthropist of Hungarian-Jewish heritage who survived the Holocaust, has faced significant backlash in his native country. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has labeled him as the „number one enemy of the state“ and accused him of orchestrating mass Muslim immigration into Europe. Orbán’s conservative, nationalist party, Fidesz, has been actively working to suppress civil organizations supported by Soros, leading to tensions within the European Parliament and calls for sanctions against Hungary.
The decision to move the Budapest headquarters to Berlin was driven by the repressive political climate in Hungary, which made it difficult for the foundation to operate safely and effectively. According to Buldioski, democratic values in Hungary are being severely tested, prompting the need for a more conducive environment for their work. Despite the relocation, the foundation’s mission remains unchanged. From Berlin, they will continue to support civil societies in Europe and beyond, focusing on strengthening democracy, the rule of law, and human and civil rights.
Through the Open Society Foundations network, Soros has been a key supporter of projects aimed at protecting human rights globally and providing scholarships to students. The Prague branch of OSF was established in 1992, and Soros has reportedly invested $32 billion (approximately 710 billion Czech koruna) into his foundations. The move to Berlin signifies a strategic shift for the foundation, allowing them to continue their vital work in a more conducive environment.
In conclusion, the relocation of the Open Society Foundation from Budapest to Berlin marks a significant chapter in the foundation’s history. Despite facing challenges and opposition in Hungary, the foundation remains committed to its mission of promoting democracy, human rights, and civil society globally. George Soros’s philanthropic efforts continue to make a positive impact, and the move to Berlin will provide a new platform for the foundation to further its important work.