Hungary

As Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s model of “illiberal democracy” is emulated around the world, an understanding of Hungary’s authoritarian toolkit is vital for assessing the scope for democracy renewal there as well as in other countries.

After returning to power in 2010, Orbán’s Fidesz party has concentrated power in the executive branch, undermined judicial independence, captured large segments of the media, and suppressed civil society, as part of a broad assault on democracy and the rule of law.