08 May 2026
But First, Implementation
Hungary's future Prime Minister Péter Magyar called on Chief Justice András Zs. Varga to resign, claiming that, together with the President of the Republic, the Prosecutor General, and other leaders of key state institutions, he is a “puppet” of Orbán’s regime. The claim to end Chief Justice Varga’s mandate is legitimate and the proper way to do so is by implementing the ECtHR's Baka judgment Continue reading >>
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01 May 2026
Péter Magyar’s Cincinnatus Moment
The big question for Hungary’s democracy is whether Magyar and Tisza will establish a system that is pluralistic and avoids the risks and temptations of two-thirds majorities. Cincinnatus is the hero of Roman legend who saved his country from peril and, once done, returned to his fields. Magyar could become Hungary’s Cincinnatus if he constructed a pluralistic democracy in which many political currents have their space, in which majorities can rule and make decisions and in which courts and independent institutions ensure the rules of the game. Continue reading >>
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09 April 2026
Beating (Authoritarian) Populism with (Democratic) Populism
Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s prime minister since 2010, is set to lose the parliamentary elections on 12 April 2026. According to recent polls, Fidesz’ main rival, centre-right Tisza, seems to be within reach of attaining a two-thirds constitutional majority. While this may provide conditions for re-establishing democratic institutions, it also implies that Tisza would not be constrained by any meaningful democratic controls. Avoiding the double trap of meeting populist expectations and stabilizing institutionally unconstrained powers are two major tasks the new government needs to perform. Continue reading >>
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