The election of Viktor Orban and his Fidesz party in Hungary earlier this month has left many wondering about the future of the long-time Prime Minister and his system. Despite being one of the most dominant forces in Hungarian politics for over a decade, Fidesz suffered its worst defeat since 2010, with the party losing several key seats in parliament.
Orban, who has been in power since 2010, has been criticized for his handling of the migrant crisis, his close ties to Russia and China, and his increasingly authoritarian style of governance. His government’s efforts to suppress dissent and limit press freedom have also been widely condemned by international observers.
As Fidesz struggles to come to terms with its defeat, speculation is rife about what the future holds for Orban and his party. Some analysts believe that Orban may try to cling to power through a series of maneuvers, including attempts to dissolve parliament and call early elections.
Others, however, predict that Orban’s days in office are numbered. With Fidesz suffering its worst electoral defeat since 2010, it is clear that the party’s popularity has peaked. Many Hungarians have grown tired of Orban’s polarizing style of governance and his close ties to authoritarian leaders abroad.
One possible scenario is that Fidesz could try to form a coalition government with other parties, such as the Socialist Party or the Democratic Coalition. This would require Fidesz to put aside its ideological differences and work with opposition parties to build a majority in parliament.
Another possibility is that Orban’s party could try to appeal to Hungarian voters who are dissatisfied with the current state of politics. Fidesz has always been known for its populist rhetoric, and it may try to tap into this sentiment by positioning itself as a champion of national interests and traditional values.
However, these plans will be difficult to execute, especially given the EU’s increasingly tough stance on Hungary’s rule of law concerns. The European Commission is likely to continue to pressure Orban’s government to reform its policies and practices, which would put further strain on Fidesz’s attempts to govern.
In the end, it remains to be seen what will become of Orban and his system. One thing is certain, however: Hungary’s politics have changed forever, and a new chapter in the country’s history is about to begin.
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