MEPs yesterday adopted a very tough report against Hungary by a majority of 433 votes, concluding that this country is no longer a democracy but an electoral autocracy.
This report weakens the position of Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban. Still, Hungary serves as an inspiration for several far-right parties in Europe. It is also a spearhead of Chinese influence and Russian influence in the European Union. That is why the governments of the European Union are increasingly trying to neutralize Orban and put Hungary back on a democratic course.
1. Who is Victor Orban?
Victor Orban first became Prime Minister in 1998 at the age of 35. Then he brought his country into NATO. Lost in the 2002 elections, he spent a number of years in opposition and became prime minister again in 2010. From that moment his politics took a dictatorial turn. That same year he passed a law that gave him great control over the media. In 2011 he amended the constitution, introducing far-right policies such as restricting the right to strike. In 2013 he passed several undemocratic laws, including unlimited pre-trial detention. In the years that followed, he increased the government’s role in the economy and placed loyal supporters at the head of all major Hungarian organizations.
2. What is Orban’s policy towards illegal immigrants?
Orban’s policy on illegal immigrants is much tougher than most European countries, earning him strong hostility from Europe’s very pro-immigrant leftists. In 2015, he imposed a barrier between Hungary and Serbia while authorizing the army to shoot illegal immigrants with rubber bullets. Orban believes that Muslims pose a threat to European civilization. He even said this summer he doesn’t want Hungarians to become “mixed race” with non-Europeans, earning him accusations of racism.
3. What are Orban’s relations with China and Russia?
Although very anti-communist, Orban invited China to open a university campus in the Hungarian capital, posing serious espionage problems for all European research. Orban also wants to attract Chinese capital to Hungary. In addition, Orban approached Vladimir Putin in 2010 to guarantee cheap gas supplies to Hungary. In addition, Russian energy made Hungary independent of sources that might come from Muslim countries. Putin and Orban both believe that European civilization should be based on Christianity.
4. What can the European Parliament do?
The European Parliament can withhold part of the money that has to be paid to it through the European Union. In the current inflationary context, this will hurt Hungary and Orban a lot.
5. What is Orban’s response?
Orban is trying to persuade European Union countries to give him time, particularly to set up a commission that would deal with fighting corruption. Orban could also make the judicial system more autonomous and streamline the electoral system. But it’s doubtful he will back down from a policy he says is linked to defending Christian values.
