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The Austrian journalist and designated Hungarian expert Paul Lendvai calls Viktor Orbán Europe’s “New Strong Man” – and with a critical undertone. The Hungarian Prime Minister stands for a departure from his country of fundamental values of liberal democracy: pluralism in media landscape, separation of government and justice, respect for diversity of civil society.
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In some respects, although not everyone, Hungary’s development is similar to that of Poland under governing party of Law and Justice (PiS). Under Orbán’s party Fidesz, Hungary has been at very edge of what is still considered to be democratic within European Union – democratically in accordance with Copenhagen criteria agreed in 1993, conditions that countries must fulfil in order to be members The European Union, such as stable democratic and constitutional order, respect for human rights and protection of minorities.
The recent analysis of Bertelsmann Foundation’s Sustainable Governance Indicators (SGI) project shows that quality of democracy in Hungary has been declining for years. Currently, country is ranked 40 out of 41 in comparison with all States of European Union and OECD.
Anton Pelinka
Is professor of political science and Nationalismusstudien at Central European University, Budapest.
This is due in particular to fact that media landscape is becoming increasingly monotonous and plurality is diminishing. The right to vote is also designed to weaken opposition; Independent non-governmental organisations are harassed and discriminated against minorities. As SGI sums up, Orbán government “continues to erode democracy.”
Fidesz ‘ strength is weakness of opposition
At present, Fidesz has an absolute majority with 114 out of 199 MPs in Hungarian Parliament – just on verge of a two-thirds majority. At forthcoming parliamentary election on 8 April, party could reach such a constitutional majority.
The electoral system adopted in 2011 – a combination of majority voting and proportional choice – grants a special majority premium to strongest party. It makes it possible to make an absolute majority of mandates from a relative majority of votes, possibly even a two-thirds majority. In any case, Fidesz can count on a clear majority in Parliament.
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The reason for this is also and essentially due to weakness of opposition. This consists of right-extremist party Jobbik, as well as a middle and left, which have fallen into several fractions.
The Times when a center-left Alliance ruled Hungary (1994 – 1998, 2002 – 2008) will certainly not return in 2018. An alliance between Jobbik and left center is excluded, Fidesz will form government even after any loss of voice and mandate: A weakened Orbán will also be Hungarian head of government for anor four years.
This will also not change resistance of civil society. Protests by women’s organisations, a gay parade or a movement for homeless have not taken increasingly authoritarian policy of Orbán government off its line.
The only exception: A protest movement has prevented Budapest from applying for Olympic Summer Games. The Orbán government had to take back support of such an application.
