Born in Alcsútdoboz, Orbán was shaped by the 1956 revolution and the scars of Soviet rule, fostering anti-Soviet and pro-democracy values. After earning a law degree in 1987 and studying political philosophy at Oxford, he founded Fidesz with support from the George Soros-founded Open Society Foundation. Orbán’s early political career focused on democratisation and the withdrawal of Soviet influence, earning him national recognition in 1989 when he called for free elections and the expulsion of Soviet troops.
After Hungary’s independence in 1989, Orbán’s Fidesz won a small majority in 1998. His first term was characterised by liberal democratic policies focused on NATO integration (achieved in 1999) and laying the groundwork for EU accession in 2004. Orbán emphasised patriotism during a time when Eastern Bloc nations were reclaiming their repressed national identities, yet he was ultimately aligned with Western institutions. Despite losing re-election in 2002 election, he remained a domestically influential figure.
Despite losing re-election in 2002 election, he remained a domestically influential figure.
In 2006, Fidesz lost again, but the ruling Hungarian Socialist Party soon became embroiled in an economic scandal. Leaked audio revealed that government officials had purposefully misled the public about the country’s economic situation, leading to widespread outrage. Orbán capitalised on this, winning a landslide victory in the 2010 elections. This marked a significant shift in his political trajectory, as he embraced anti-establishment, nationalistic rhetoric that would lay the foundation for his autocratic policies.
Once in power, Orbán passed a new conservative constitution in 2012, emphasising nationalism and Christian values while centralising power. This move marked the beginning of his departure from the democratic ideals that initially defined him. He politicised the judiciary, forced retirements of judges, and took control of the media, systematically dismantling the checks on his power. Orbán’s media manipulation allowed him to stifle opposition, turning Hungary into a quasi-authoritarian state.
By 2014, Orbán openly embraced an “illiberal democracy,” drawing inspiration from Russia, China, and Turkey. His opposition to EU migrant quotas during the 2015 Syrian Civil war crisis fueled his populist rhetoric, painting a picture of a grand EU, UN and Soros conspiracy to dilute Hungarian identity. This anti-immigrant, anti-EU stance resonated strongly with voters, marking a stark departure from his earlier pro-democracy, pro-European views. Orbán used the migrant crisis to stoke fears, strengthening his base while dismissing the EU’s concerns about Hungary’s democratic backsliding.
Orbán’s rise continued in 2018 with another victory, where his anti-immigrant rhetoric and nationalist policies strengthened his grip on power. By 2019, Fidesz secured 52% of Hungary’s seats in the European Parliament, but Orbán’s success came at the cost of the very democratic principles he once espoused. In March 2020, he used the COVID-19 pandemic to expand his executive powers, suspending elections and punishing media outlets that criticised him, further consolidating his control.
... his anti-immigrant rhetoric and nationalist policies strengthened his grip on power ...
Orbán’s foreign policy also revealed his authoritarian shift. Once a staunch opponent of Kremlin influence, he now aligned closely with Russian President Vladimir Putin, blocking EU sanctions and obstructing aid to Ukraine. His actions in blocking NATO expansion in 2022-2023, leveraging Hungary’s veto power for personal gain, exemplified his betrayal of Hungary’s traditional alliances and European solidarity.
Viktor Orbán’s political journey, characterised by unprincipled opportunism and blatant hypocrisy, transitioning from a pro-democracy leader to an illiberal autocrat serves as a stark warning about the fragility of democracy and it’s institutions. His embrace of nationalism, rejection of democratic norms, and alignment with authoritarian regimes underscore the dangers of power concentrated in the hands of one leader.