Hungary

Hungary's political landscape in 2023 is marked by significant challenges, with the year being termed as possibly the most difficult yet for the nation's national-populist government, under the leadership of Viktor Orbán​^[1]​. Despite these challenges, the governing party, Fidesz-KDNP, continues to hold a stable position as the strongest political party in the nation. A poll conducted in September 2023 revealed that 51% of voters would have supported Fidesz-KDNP if elections were held during that month​^[2]​.

However, the European Union has expressed concerns regarding the state of democracy, rule of law, and corruption in Hungary, indicating a complex political atmosphere^[3]​. Hungary's political regime is described as a Transitional or Hybrid Regime, reflecting a shift from its former status as a liberal democracy. The country's democracy score has been marked at 43 out of 100 in 2023, indicating challenges in democratic progress​^[4]​.

Furthermore, Viktor Orbán's tenure, especially after gaining an absolute majority in 2010, has been characterized by a series of reforms that have substantially undermined the post-Cold War liberal consensus in Hungary. This shift is pushing Hungary towards autocracy, marking a significant transformation in its political landscape​^[5]​.