Critics say that the Hungarian government's new kulturlov will deprive theatres of independence and artistic freedom.

Hungary's nationalist government with a new bill set guidelines for what must appear in Hungarian theatres.

Critics say that it robs the theatres of their independence and artistic freedom.

the Purpose is to "establish priorities and guidelines which should be followed in the field of Hungarian culture".

In the draft law, as the news agency Reuters has seen, states that the minister must have a say on the appointment and the guys teaterdirektører in places that receive money from the state and municipalities.

- It is a fundamental requirement that activities falling under the auspices of this law, actively defending the nation's interests and welfare, it says.

Since prime minister Viktor Orbán in 2010 for the second time won power in Hungary with his party, Fidesz, has succeeded him to have rewritten the constitution, to secure control over the state media and the courts, and to establish a regime, as in parts of Europe is described as anti-democratic.

The newly elected mayor of the capital Budapest, Gergely Karácsony, who is the opponent of Orbán, calling on Facebook the new kulturlov a step backwards.

- This proposal would eliminate the cultural diversity, which is an offshoot of freedom - and that has meant that artists should not be kept in the political winds, he writes.

the Orbán government has had many clashes with the EU Commission, which accuses him of breaking the democratic order.

/ritzau/Reuters