Viktor Orbán’s Hungarian experiment runs out of steam
Viktor Orbán’s Hungarian Experiment Runs Out of Steam
The Experiment and Its Labels
Viktor Orbán’s 16 years in power have been described as an “experiment,” though he avoided labeling it directly. The term “illiberal democracy” carried a negative connotation, so his allies in the U.S. preferred “national conservatism,” a more palatable phrase. Yet this label never fully captured his approach, as Orbán’s policies diverged from traditional conservative principles. Unlike most conservatives, he embraced rebellion, consistently pushing boundaries and reshaping Hungary to align with his vision.
Governance and Political Reforms
Orbán’s governance style mirrored his personal philosophy: a “majoritarian” model where the victor dictates all. Within a year of securing a two-thirds parliamentary majority in 2010, he initiated a constitutional overhaul, transforming Hungary into a state reflective of his Fidesz party’s priorities. Through relentless legislative action, he restructured the judiciary, electoral system, and economic framework, consolidating power under his leadership.
Despite his confrontational stance toward “Brussels bureaucrats,” Orbán’s policies often drew from international influences. He positioned himself as an “anti-globalist” but invited German carmakers and Chinese and South Korean EV battery producers to invest in Hungary. His rhetoric emphasized national sovereignty, yet he hesitated to defend Ukraine’s territorial integrity against Russian aggression. Similarly, while opposing mass immigration, he quietly encouraged labor migration from Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Ukraine, and Turkey to support his industrial goals.
His efforts to boost birth rates through financial incentives failed to reverse trends. By 2025, Hungary’s fertility rate had dropped to 1.31, matching the level inherited from the Socialists in 2010. This stagnation underscored public fatigue with his relentless pursuit of change, which had left many citizens yearning for stability.
The Shift in Public Support
Orbán’s swift concession following the election marked a turning point. The result signaled a collective decision by Hungarians to end the era of constant upheaval. Péter Magyar, his opponent, capitalized on this sentiment by promoting an inclusive message and waving the Hungarian flag at rallies. Voters grew weary of the stark divide between the wealthy and the working class, as the middle ground shrank under Orbán’s rule.
“Tonight we celebrate,” Magyar declared to cheering crowds along the Danube. “But tomorrow, we start work.”
Magyar’s victory highlighted a desire for a “normal country” with a voice that resonates broadly. Orbán’s experiment, once seen as a bold path, had exhausted the public, who now sought a return to equilibrium and shared national priorities. The shift reflects a broader reckoning with the trade-offs of his transformative agenda.
