Orbán’s Grip: Can Hungary’s New Leaders Undo His System?

Orbán’s Legacy Looms Over Hungary’s New Government

Viktor Orbán may be leaving office after 16 years, but his influence over Hungary’s institutions remains a significant challenge for the nation’s new leadership. Orbán’s Fides party reshaped the country’s democratic structures, placing allies in key positions. Now, the incoming government faces the task of governing within a system designed to perpetuate Orbán’s power.

Courts and Justice: A System Stacked with Allies

The Hungarian judiciary presents a major hurdle for the new government. The nation’s highest court, the Kura, is led by a judge appointed during Fides’s parliamentary dominance. All 15 judges on the constitutional court were appointed under Fides rule.

While the new government cannot easily overturn these appointments, they have options. “What a new government would be able to do is for instance increase the number of constitutional judges and nominate and appoint uh new constitutional judges thereby the shifting the balance of power within within the court,” explained one observer.

Prosecutor’s Office and Presidential Power

Another critical lever of power is the prosecutor’s office, which determines which cases are investigated and prosecuted. This office has long been seen as aligned with Orbán’s system. Adding to this, President Tamás Sulyok, an Orbán ally, was recently granted expanded veto powers.

Sulyok can send legislation back to parliament or send it directly to the constitutional court for review. The likely successor to Orbán, Péter Magyar, has called for Sulyok’s resignation. “We will use the authorization we received from voters to amend the constitution and we will remove him from office,” Magyar stated at a press conference.

Media Landscape: A Near-Total Government Takeover

The media environment in Hungary is heavily influenced by Orbán’s allies. Reporters Without Borders estimates that around 80% of media outlets are aligned with Orbán. Magyar has expressed a desire to suspend state news broadcasts until impartial reporting can be guaranteed.

Changes in privately owned media may prove more difficult. One tactic employed by the Orbán government was to purchase local newspapers and commercial TV channels, integrating them into the Fides media network. This strategy made it harder for independent voices to emerge.

Economic Influence and Orbán’s Future Role

Beyond the courts and media, Orbán’s allies also hold significant sway in parts of the Hungarian economy. These networks of influence are deeply entrenched and difficult to dismantle quickly. This economic power further solidifies the lasting impact of his 16-year tenure.

Orbán himself is expected to remain a powerful figure as the leader of the Fides party, now in opposition. During the election campaign, Fides utilized aggressive tactics, including disinformation and pressure on opponents. Observers warn that these methods could continue to challenge the new government.

The Path Forward: Governing Against the Odds

“We can obviously expect Fides to do their best to block as much as they can,” noted one analyst. However, with nearly 70% of parliamentary seats, the new government should have a clear path to pursue its agenda. This includes constitutional changes aimed at limiting consecutive terms for prime ministers.

Such a change could prevent Orbán from returning to power in the future. Péter Magyar has the mandate to govern, but the true test lies in his ability to enact change within a system meticulously built to endure Viktor Orbán’s presence, even from the sidelines.

Source: What Remains After Viktor Orbán | DW News (YouTube)