Hungary. Viktor Orbán: The Freedom Fighter Populist of Hungary

Benedek, István (2025) Hungary. Viktor Orbán: The Freedom Fighter Populist of Hungary. In: Contemporary Populist Leadership in Central and Eastern Europe. Palgrave Macmillan, London, pp. 101-120. ISBN 9783031859182

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Abstract

This chapter examines Viktor Orbán, the most influential figure in Hungary’s political landscape since 1989. Tracing his transformation from a young liberal democrat to a strong populist leader, it explores how Orbán has positioned himself as the embodiment of national sovereignty and the sole legitimate voice of the Hungarian people. Through populist rhetoric steeped in identity politics and crisis narratives, he has cultivated a profound emotional connection with his supporters, solidifying his political dominance. The chapter situates Orbán within the broader context of the regime he has constructed since 2010. It highlights how his populist vision and strategic use of crises have reinforced his image as a protector of national sovereignty, paving the way for Hungary’s transformation from a liberal democracy to a populist electoral autocracy (PEA) by the mid-2010s, all under the banner of the Hungarian people’s “freedom fight.” The analysis also reflects on developments in early 2024, including growing societal discontent and unexpected political shocks, which have revealed new vulnerabilities in the regime. By integrating perspectives from populism research and regime classification theories, the chapter offers a comprehensive account of how Orbán consolidated his personal power and how populist autocratization has reshaped Hungarian democracy.

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