Junk Democracy – Gyorgy Konrad, New York Times
I previously addressed the current political situation in Hungary. Yet despite the fact that previous governments left much to be desired, Viktor Orban has done very little to improve the country’s democracy.
Konrad labels Hungary’s government a ‘junk’ democracy, saying: “it would be one thing if our economy were doing well. But the three leading credit rating institutions have put it into the lowest possible category: junk. A junk country, with a junk administration and a junk prime minister.” Using the pejorative word ‘junk’ before any noun severely undermines its legitimacy, therefore it is important to wonder what the repercussions will be now that so many Hungarian citizens have come to think of their democracy as closely relating to ‘junk.’
In his article, Konrad explains how he feels that Hungary is ” beginning to resemble the post-Soviet dictatorships of Central Asia; some are even calling it Orbanistan.” Taking into consideration the ‘dismal’ economic situation in Hungary coupled with changes to the constitution and an increasing lack of governmental approval, Konrad’s disillusionment with his country’s government is not surprising. He goes on to explain that he himself is
I myself am a devotee of neither right nor left, but cast my lot with a democracy that allows all to speak, so we can see what kind of people are trying to lead us. Democracy’s main benefit is its protection, guaranteed by law, of the dignity of its citizens from humiliation at the hands of their leaders. It protects the weak from overweening power, and gives them the tools to protect themselves if need be.
The fact that Konrad is not alone regarding this sentiment serves as a testament to a lack of legitimacy in the Hungarian government; a fundamental flaw in the country’s democracy.
Despite the negative circumstances, however, Konrad remains optimistic: “Any system founded on propaganda and credulity is doomed to collapse sooner or later. I have been a satisfied witness to the fall of two authoritarian regimes, fascism and communism. The end of the third is in sight. Since it is built on falsehoods, its fall will be less than graceful.”
Only time will tell if the power is to be returned from the eager hands of Viktor Orban to the Hungarian people, resuscitating a democracy that is well-deserved.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.