Hungary's leader wants drug tests for journalists, politicians to fight alleged 'drug mafia'

FILE - In this Monday, April 7, 2014, file photo, Hungarian Prime Minister and Chairman of the center-right Fidesz party Viktor Orban speaks during an international press conference at the Parliament building in Budapest, the day after his party won the parliamentary elections in Hungary. Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who vowed earlier this year to remake Hungary into an “illiberal” state, now wants mandatory drug testing for journalists and politicians. (AP Photo/MTI, Szilard Koszticsak, File) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014, file photo Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, not seen, exchange some words prior to their international press conference at the Parliament in Budapest, Hungary. Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who vowed earlier this year to remake Hungary into an “illiberal” state, now wants mandatory drug testing for journalists and politicians. (AP Photo/MTI, Szilard Koszticsak, File) (The Associated Press)

BUDAPEST, Hungary – Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has vowed to remake Hungary into a "non-liberal" state, now wants mandatory drug testing for journalists and politicians.

A member of his ruling Fidesz party earlier had suggested mandatory annual drug tests for 12 to 18-year-olds, but that plan has apparently been dropped. Critics see the latest announcement as an attempt by Orban to combat a drop in popularity and say it will be impossible to implement.

Orban said Friday the drug tests are needed to fight the "drug mafia." His party says a draft bill will be ready in February for debate in parliament, where Fidesz enjoys a two-thirds majority.

Tamas Kardos of the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union said the latest proposal could be an attempt to intimidate journalists.