Viktor Orbán’s Hungarian experiment runs out of steam

Viktor Orbán’s Hungarian experiment runs out of steam

After 16 years in charge, Viktor Orbán’s vision for Hungary was dubbed an “experiment,” though he himself never settled on a precise label. While “illiberal democracy” carried a negative connotation, his allies in the U.S. preferred “national conservatism,” a term that seemed more palatable but still didn’t fully capture his approach. Orbán, unlike traditional conservatives, was a maverick. He consistently pushed his ideology further, embracing radical ideas that defied conventional political frameworks.

Orbán positioned himself as a critic of globalism, yet he welcomed investments from German automakers and Chinese and South Korean EV battery firms. He championed national sovereignty, yet hesitated to defend Ukraine’s independence during Russia’s invasion. His anti-immigration stance coexisted with quiet efforts to attract workers from Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Ukraine, and Turkey to fuel his industrial ambitions. Even his policies to boost fertility rates, which included financial incentives for families, failed to reverse the decline, as the rate plummeted to 1.31 by 2025—matching the level left by the Socialist government in 2010.

His governing style revolved around a “majoritarian” model, where the victor claimed absolute control. This philosophy led to sweeping reforms, including a rewritten constitution and overhauling the judiciary, electoral system, and economic policies. Yet, when the Hungarian electorate finally rejected his approach, Orbán’s political momentum stalled. The decisive loss on Sunday signaled a shift in public sentiment, as voters grew weary of relentless conflict and the growing disparity between wealth and poverty.

“Tonight we celebrate,” declared Péter Magyar, addressing his supporters by the Danube. “But tomorrow, we start work.”

Magyar’s victory hinged on his message of inclusivity, contrasting with Orbán’s divisive rhetoric. His campaign emphasized unity, and the presence of the Hungarian flag at every rally resonated with a populace yearning for stability. For many, the exhaustion from prolonged political struggle and the shrinking middle class made Orbán’s model unsustainable. Magyar promised a return to normalcy, with a voice that reflected the people’s will.