LUDMILA ANDRÉA

‘Viktator’ Threatening Hungary’s Democracy?

“[Orban] paid youths to attend his speech and clap. He championed laws to silence critical journalists. He rammed through a constitution aimed at remaking Hungary on conservative Christian values” (Associated Press).

Hungary’s controversial new constitution, introduced on the first of January, has sparked widespread criticism and has inspired many thousands of Hungarians to voice their disapproval. Having changed electoral law, Viktor Orban’s conservative nationalist government and its members now hold essentially every position of notable power in the country.

Concerns have been steadily increasing over Orban’s abuse of power; many have started referring to the politician as “Viktator.” His governing party has increased its control over the media, the courts, and the national bank, as well as various other institutions. The European Union and the United States have both expressed their concern with Orban’s constitutional changes. In light of all of this, one must ask: is the Hungarian parliament still fully democratic?

The country’s gradual move towards a centralized one-party rule (under Orban’s Fidesz party), is something that has alarmed critics, both in Hungary and abroad. However, Hungarian state Secratary Zoltan Kovacs has dismissed all accusations that country has taken any kind of authoritarian turn. Meanwhile, opponents say that the changes have already threatened Hungarian democracy by removing checks and balances that had been in place since the fall of communism. However, there are additional problems that are causing unease in the already shaken nation.

The lack of economic growth promised by Orban has been minimal thus far and economic problems are creating widespread implications that may, until they are resolved, overshadow other pervasive governmental problems in the country.

The government did not foresee the extent of reactions from the international community and now the markets are suffering. Hungary is dependent on assistance for its financial circumstances, and the government has voiced its willingness to compromise with the IMF and the EU. However, significant changes need to be made. If Hungary’s financial problems continue and the government is unable to secure financial assistance, there is a good chance that bankruptcy rather than widespread protest and international disapproval may be the primary factor in stopping Orban.