For sixteen years, Viktor Orbán turned Hungary into the authoritarian right’s model state. If he loses on April 12, the myth of strongman inevitability may crack with him.
I’m just hoping this guy isn’t a Trojan Horse. We’ve seen this movie before. We have several of them serving in the US Senate as Democrats; voting in lock step with MAGA on key issues.
Not to mention, we already have a Putin marionette dancing around the Oval to the tune of YMCA; so……🤪
I have an idea. Trump and MAGA have endorsed Orban. All democrats need to do is start an ad campaign of what a decade of of management under an authoritarian kakistocracy can do to a nation.
Hungary is a perfect example of a failed European state from the perspective of economic prosperity. Hungary’s economy is consistently at the bottom fifth EU in economic health, and wealth. Its infrastructure is in shambles and the only reason they are a viable state is because of Orban’s extortion racket—$98 billion in EU loans to allow the EU to arm and fund Ukraine’s defense from the Red Menace.
Bottom line, Orban is running an extortion racket; otherwise, Hungary would be far worse economically than they are currently! IMHO…:)
I watched "Nuremberg", last night. I could not look at Russell Crowe, playing Hermann Goring, without seeing Trump, Orban, Netanyahu and Putin, interchangeably.
I haven’t seen it yet, but that tracks. They are not the same in history or scale, but they all project the same belief that power places them above restraint.
Why is he standing in front of a poster depicting Western Europe? Is he trying to depict himself as a patriot for betraying our values and selling out to our enemies?
What I find infuriating (and sinister) is that as a European (UK) I don't get to learn anything about affairs in Hungary unless I go looking for it. There's barely anything here on mainstream media, which I find remarkable on a continent where we have a history of this problem.
When I look at Trump bending, stretching and testing the Constitution to breaking point and beyond, it's only made possible by the subversion of the judiciary, wider government depts and the complicity of media [propaganda] and vested interests. And Hungary is no different. Both of them trying to achieve a nazi gleichschaltung.
I’m just hoping this guy isn’t a Trojan Horse. We’ve seen this movie before. We have several of them serving in the US Senate as Democrats; voting in lock step with MAGA on key issues.
Not to mention, we already have a Putin marionette dancing around the Oval to the tune of YMCA; so……🤪
I have an idea. Trump and MAGA have endorsed Orban. All democrats need to do is start an ad campaign of what a decade of of management under an authoritarian kakistocracy can do to a nation.
Hungary is a perfect example of a failed European state from the perspective of economic prosperity. Hungary’s economy is consistently at the bottom fifth EU in economic health, and wealth. Its infrastructure is in shambles and the only reason they are a viable state is because of Orban’s extortion racket—$98 billion in EU loans to allow the EU to arm and fund Ukraine’s defense from the Red Menace.
Bottom line, Orban is running an extortion racket; otherwise, Hungary would be far worse economically than they are currently! IMHO…:)
I watched "Nuremberg", last night. I could not look at Russell Crowe, playing Hermann Goring, without seeing Trump, Orban, Netanyahu and Putin, interchangeably.
I haven’t seen it yet, but that tracks. They are not the same in history or scale, but they all project the same belief that power places them above restraint.
Hungary ousting Orban would be the first “good news” story of 2026.
Perfect analysis. My guts predict a stunning victory for Magyar, and progress further back to democracy.
Thank you so much, Zsolt. Fingers crossed, it will be an interesting time for Hungary, Europe and the wider world.
We can not only change course in Hungary, but also show an example to the Trumps, Putins, and the likes.
Let’s hope that this era includes Trump and his merry band of psychophants
Fantastic piece.
Hopefully Magyar isn't controlled opposition.
Thank you so much. Whatever Magyar turns out to be, I will be sure to keep on reporting on the state of democracy in Hungary.
Glad to hear it!
Why is he standing in front of a poster depicting Western Europe? Is he trying to depict himself as a patriot for betraying our values and selling out to our enemies?
May the Hungarian people prevail.
Toss Orbán out on his fat ass!
Hoping with all our might
Thank you so much for sharing the information.
What I find infuriating (and sinister) is that as a European (UK) I don't get to learn anything about affairs in Hungary unless I go looking for it. There's barely anything here on mainstream media, which I find remarkable on a continent where we have a history of this problem.
When I look at Trump bending, stretching and testing the Constitution to breaking point and beyond, it's only made possible by the subversion of the judiciary, wider government depts and the complicity of media [propaganda] and vested interests. And Hungary is no different. Both of them trying to achieve a nazi gleichschaltung.
Dangerous times we live in.
So which way will the election go, you think? A couple of weeks ago was 20% behind. Last time I saw numbers, only 4%.
Is the anti-Ukraine rhetoric working?