Viktor Orbán’s Hungarian experiment runs out of steam

Viktor Orbán’s Hungarian experiment runs out of steam

Viktor Orbán’s 16-year governance in Hungary has been described as an experiment. Yet even he hesitated to label it definitively. “Illiberal democracy” felt too harsh, while his American allies preferred “national conservatism,” a term that seemed more palatable. However, this classification never fully captured his approach. Unlike many conservatives, Orbán was a rebel, consistently moving further from established norms.

His defiance extended to the mainstream, particularly the “Brussels bureaucrats.” Orbán positioned himself as a critic of globalist policies, yet he invited German automakers and Chinese-South Korean EV battery producers to invest in Hungary. He championed national sovereignty, yet allowed Ukraine’s territorial integrity to be challenged by Russia. His stance on immigration was similarly paradoxical: he opposed mass influxes but quietly encouraged labor from Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Ukraine, and Turkey to support his industrial projects.

Orbán’s policies reshaped Hungary’s political and economic landscape. He leveraged a two-thirds parliamentary majority to rewrite the constitution and overhaul institutions, including the judiciary and electoral system. By 2025, his efforts to boost fertility through financial incentives had yielded little progress, with the rate returning to 1.31—a figure inherited from the previous socialist government. The recent election outcome signaled a shift, as Hungarians rejected continued experimentation, opting for stability over radical change.

The end of an era

Péter Magyar’s victory marked a turning point. His campaign focused on inclusivity and a less confrontational message, resonating with voters weary of prolonged conflict. The public grew frustrated by growing disparities: the wealthy accumulating more, the poor losing ground, and the middle class shrinking. While Orbán often secured victories, his supporters now sought calm and predictability. A return to normalcy, with a voice that reflected the nation’s will, became the priority.

“Tonight we celebrate,” he told the massive crowds, dancing by the Danube. “But tomorrow, we start work.”