Viktor Orbán’s Hungarian experiment runs out of steam
Viktor Orbán’s Hungarian Experiment Faces Defeat
After 16 years of governing, Viktor Orbán’s tenure has been characterized as a bold political initiative, though he never gave it a formal name. While “illiberal democracy” carried a negative connotation, his Western allies preferred the term “national conservatism,” which framed his policies more favorably. However, this label never fully captured the essence of his governance, which diverged significantly from traditional conservative principles.
The Rebel Leader’s Shift
Orbán was known for his defiance of mainstream norms, often clashing with “Brussels bureaucrats.” His approach to politics was marked by a willingness to challenge the status quo, yet he remained adaptable when faced with opposition. He positioned himself as an anti-globalist, yet welcomed foreign investments from Germany’s automotive industry and Chinese and South Korean electric vehicle manufacturers. His rhetoric emphasized national sovereignty, yet he hesitated to fully support Ukraine’s independence during Russia’s invasion.
Despite his vocal opposition to immigration, Orbán quietly encouraged the arrival of workers from Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Ukraine, and Turkey to fuel his economic projects. He also prioritized policies to boost fertility rates, offering financial incentives to couples to have more children. However, by 2025, the rate had reverted to 1.31—mirroring the level inherited from the Socialists in 2010.
A Changing Political Landscape
The recent election marked a turning point, as Hungarians expressed their weariness with Orbán’s leadership. His supporters, once unwavering, seemed to have grown tired of constant conflict and the growing wealth gap that saw the affluent expand while the middle class contracted. Péter Magyar’s victory was not just a political shift but a reflection of public sentiment seeking stability and inclusivity over rigid ideological control.
Magyar’s campaign, which featured the Hungarian flag at every event, resonated with voters yearning for a more balanced approach. His message of a “normal country with a voice” contrasted sharply with Orbán’s image of a transformed nation. As Magyar addressed supporters on the Danube’s shores, he declared:
“Tonight we celebrate,” he told the huge crowds, dancing on the shores of the Danube. “But tomorrow, we start work.”
This moment symbolized both the end of Orbán’s era and the beginning of a new direction for Hungary.
