The recent landslide election defeat of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has sparked debate among western conservatives, with some expressing dismay. However, this reaction overlooks the reality that Orbán's leadership was fundamentally flawed, and his successor, Peter Magyar, offers a more robust and principled model of conservative governance.
Orbán's Appeal and Its Flaws
Many on the nationalist right have admired Orbán for his staunch nativism, traditional values, and opposition to immigration. They credit him with protecting Hungary's identity, maintaining public order, and resisting what they perceive as a globalist conspiracy against national sovereignty. While Orbán did address immigration effectively, his 16-year tenure was severely compromised by authoritarian practices, widespread corruption, economic mismanagement, and a troubling deference to Moscow.
Erosion of Democratic Institutions
Upon assuming office in 2010, Orbán leveraged his parliamentary supermajority to repeatedly rewrite Hungary's constitution, consolidating power through judicial and electoral reforms. He amended rules to allow unilateral appointments of constitutional judges, increasing their number from 11 to 15 and filling vacancies with loyalists. Additionally, he stripped the constitutional court of its ability to review amendments, embedding his policies directly into the constitution to evade judicial oversight.
Control Over the Judiciary and Media
Orbán further reformed the National Office for the Judiciary, creating a presidential role for a party ally with authority over judge appointments and promotions. By lowering the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 62, he purged the judiciary and installed more loyalists. Electoral advantages were secured through gerrymandering and dismantling the free press, replacing it with government-aligned media that marginalized opposition voices.
A loyalist-controlled national media council imposed fines for vague offences, while state-owned channels disseminated propaganda. Private media faced pressure from Orbán-aligned oligarchs, with critical outlets losing public funding as advertising budgets favored pro-government platforms.
The Path Forward with Peter Magyar
In contrast, Peter Magyar's center-right approach promises to uphold conservative values without the authoritarian overtones that marred Orbán's rule. This shift represents a win for genuine conservatism, emphasizing integrity, democratic norms, and effective governance. The election outcome underscores that true conservative success lies not in autocratic tactics but in fostering a balanced and accountable political system.
