Viktor Orbán's policy over the past 16 years is often called a unique political phenomenon. As the participants in the events themselves admitted, what the Hungarian leader implemented was a kind of “experiment”, the name for which was extremely difficult to find. The term “illiberal democracy” seemed too negative and off-putting for the international arena, but it was this that became the foundation of the new Hungarian statehood.
The essence of Orbán's political experiment
For almost two decades, Orbán has systematically built a system that challenges classical European standards. The main elements of this process included:
- Transformation of institutions: gradual change of the judicial and electoral systems under the control of the ruling party.
- Control over the media space: the creation of a structure where most media outlets work in line with the state agenda.
- Search for a new identity: an attempt to create a model that combines national sovereignty with elements of democratic voting, but without a liberal set of values.
“What Viktor Orbán has been doing for the last 16 years in power was an 'experiment' — but even he didn't know what to call it. 'Illiberal democracy' sounded too negative.”
Consequences for Europe and the world
Orbán's experiment has sparked wide discussions in the EU. On the one hand, supporters see this as a defense of national interests, on the other hand, critics point to the degradation of democratic institutions. This case has become an important lesson for other countries seeking to revise globalist standards.