Viktor Orbán’s Hungarian experiment runs out of steam
Viktor Orbán’s Hungarian experiment runs out of steam
Over 16 years of leadership, Viktor Orbán’s policies were framed as an “experiment,” though he never settled on a precise name for it. The term “illiberal democracy” carried a negative connotation, prompting his American allies to refer to it as “national conservatism,” a label that felt more palatable but wasn’t entirely accurate. Unlike traditional conservatives, Orbán positioned himself as a disruptor, consistently pushing boundaries against mainstream norms and the “Brussels bureaucrats” who often opposed his agenda.
His approach was marked by defiance, yet he skillfully turned opposition into political leverage. By positioning himself as an “anti-globalist,” he welcomed foreign investments from Germany’s automotive sector and Chinese and South Korean EV battery firms into Hungary. While championing national sovereignty, he hesitated to support Ukraine’s territorial integrity during the Russian invasion. Similarly, he criticized immigration but subtly promoted the arrival of workers from Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Ukraine, and Turkey to aid his industrial growth plans.
A shifting balance of power
Orbán’s governance was defined by a “majoritarian” model, where the victor claimed total authority. This philosophy led to sweeping changes, including a new constitution written just a year after securing a two-thirds parliamentary majority in 2010. He reshaped Hungary’s institutions, restructured its courts, overhauled the electoral system, and reoriented the economy to align with his party’s vision. However, by 2025, the fertility rate had reverted to 1.31—a figure inherited from the Socialist era in 2010—highlighting the limits of his reforms.
“Tonight we celebrate,” he told the huge crowds, dancing on the shores of the Danube. “But tomorrow, we start work.”
The decisive vote against Orbán on Sunday signaled a turning point. Voters, weary of prolonged conflict and economic disparities, sought a return to stability. Péter Magyar’s victory was fueled by his emphasis on national unity, his presence at rallies with a Hungarian flag, and a message that resonated with citizens craving a less contentious political climate. Magyar promised a “normal country” with a clear voice, contrasting Orbán’s assertive style. The shift reflects a growing desire for peace and equitable progress, as the middle class shrank and wealth gaps widened under Orbán’s rule.
