Orbán’s Hungary was engineered through law, decree and ballot. Its real nature emerged in flashes: a stadium rising in a childhood village, a university forced into exile, a media empire surrendered.
America owes Hungary a thank you for being the case study that perhaps brings its consciousness to the fore, to avoid the same debilities for as long. Eloquent analysis. Thank you.
It’s true that Hungary can be a fascinating road map, but I keep remembering that Hungary has 10M citizens whereas the US has 350M and many layers of institutional roadblocks. Nevertheless, Hungary’s emerging from authoritarianism gives me enormous hope.
So true. Hence it was always ridiculous the GOP borrowed a playbook from a state that wasn't comparable. Hopefully those roadblocks impeded their implementation as much as the correction. But there really can't be the illusion that orbanism (so close to onanism) is a winning strategy.
I agree. And I hope that the new government will soon decide to provide Hungarian patriots with some sort of tangible positive affirmation. According to what I read, Hungary has inflation numbers that are some of the highest in the EU. Thus, it may not be possible right now to make dramatic economic changes. Nonetheless, citizens need a sign of positive change. I hope the people receive it. Even if it's not direct money in their pockets, reviving anything of significance that has been lost will inject optimism and confidence into the difficult work ahead.
Excellent point. I read recently that, for one thing, their higher education has been approved to reinstate all kinds of monies and academic freedoms, which should signal good, good things to come in other areas. Sidebar: I would think they’d have to put new leaders in place to approve many of the upcoming changes, right?
I find it fascinating to watch how they are approaching the transition carefully, mindfully, and one step at a time. It looks overwhelming, but they’re doing it!
Nice writing Péter, a good analysis of the roadmap, and for the Americans (US of) in the audience, the discussion of the various faeries that hang-around Mar-a-Largo is resonant.
"Every regime breeds oligarchs. Orbánism created a political economy where loyalty and private gain blurred into one.
There was always an explanation: talent, timing, entrepreneurial spirit. Fairy tales for adults who never ask why the fairy godmother owns a procurement office."
Orban will, no doubt, be held accountable. Here's the catch: Lincoln kept America together, but accepted a Trojan horse, Andrew Johnson, as his running mate, as a counter to the pro-slavery George McClellan. Johnson held his cards to his vest, until after Honest Abe was killed and let Reconstruction commence, then pulled the plug on it, at his own convenience.
Peter Magyar will need to be vigilant, towards any Fidesz penitents and towards his own previous allegiance to "St. Viktor".
America owes Hungary a thank you for being the case study that perhaps brings its consciousness to the fore, to avoid the same debilities for as long. Eloquent analysis. Thank you.
It’s true that Hungary can be a fascinating road map, but I keep remembering that Hungary has 10M citizens whereas the US has 350M and many layers of institutional roadblocks. Nevertheless, Hungary’s emerging from authoritarianism gives me enormous hope.
So true. Hence it was always ridiculous the GOP borrowed a playbook from a state that wasn't comparable. Hopefully those roadblocks impeded their implementation as much as the correction. But there really can't be the illusion that orbanism (so close to onanism) is a winning strategy.
I agree. And I hope that the new government will soon decide to provide Hungarian patriots with some sort of tangible positive affirmation. According to what I read, Hungary has inflation numbers that are some of the highest in the EU. Thus, it may not be possible right now to make dramatic economic changes. Nonetheless, citizens need a sign of positive change. I hope the people receive it. Even if it's not direct money in their pockets, reviving anything of significance that has been lost will inject optimism and confidence into the difficult work ahead.
Excellent point. I read recently that, for one thing, their higher education has been approved to reinstate all kinds of monies and academic freedoms, which should signal good, good things to come in other areas. Sidebar: I would think they’d have to put new leaders in place to approve many of the upcoming changes, right?
Indeed. Everything all at once would be part of the challenge they face.
I find it fascinating to watch how they are approaching the transition carefully, mindfully, and one step at a time. It looks overwhelming, but they’re doing it!
Nice writing Péter, a good analysis of the roadmap, and for the Americans (US of) in the audience, the discussion of the various faeries that hang-around Mar-a-Largo is resonant.
"Every regime breeds oligarchs. Orbánism created a political economy where loyalty and private gain blurred into one.
There was always an explanation: talent, timing, entrepreneurial spirit. Fairy tales for adults who never ask why the fairy godmother owns a procurement office."
In today's public opinion poll, 2/3 of people want Orbán to be held accountable. And 71% would vote for Tiszta, 23% for Fidesz
A culture destroyed and now on the rise. Well achieved!👌🏽👌🏽💕
Orban will, no doubt, be held accountable. Here's the catch: Lincoln kept America together, but accepted a Trojan horse, Andrew Johnson, as his running mate, as a counter to the pro-slavery George McClellan. Johnson held his cards to his vest, until after Honest Abe was killed and let Reconstruction commence, then pulled the plug on it, at his own convenience.
Peter Magyar will need to be vigilant, towards any Fidesz penitents and towards his own previous allegiance to "St. Viktor".