Opening photo: Prime Minister's Press Office/Pinko Vivian Scheer
In his NRC columns, Mark Middle wrote that Viktor Orbán's gift to the world is a recipe for an “illiberal state.” As he writes: In 2014, in Tosnadfórdó, the Hungarian Prime Minister announced a new European form of government: the illiberal state. Its supporters describe it as a sovereign state based on traditional Christian values, as a reaction to European liberal democracies, which Orban says have failed. Opponents talk about an authoritarian political system.” – writes Mark Middle.
The author writes that Orbán thought it was time to share his worldview and started a fight against the liberals. According to him, he did this successfully.
“Over the past decade, Orban’s illiberalism has inspired neighboring countries, led to violent clashes with Brussels, and provided an ideological base for emerging far-right parties across Europe.”
Middle writes.
According to the author, his influence can also be felt outside Europe: US presidential candidate Donald Trump regularly refers to Orban as his strong European ally. Hungary has held the EU presidency since July, and Viktor Orban caused a sensation with his first appearance, in a self-proclaimed “peace mission” to the leaders of Ukraine, Russia and China, writes Medel.
The journalist spoke about Hungarian democracy with Rodrigo Pallister, head of the European Studies Workshop, who said: Roger Scruton's thinking is the basis of Orbán's anti-liberalism.
“This phrase reflects a conservative sovereign state.”
Pallister explained. “Nation states should have the final say on laws and decisions, not the European Union.” Pallister says. This applies mainly to issues such as immigration and gay rights. Like Orban, he sees the European Union as an association of good neighbors with their own customs and ideas, rather than an association of equal parties.
The author also expresses the dissenting opinion. Zuzanna Szelenyi left Fidesz in 1994. He added: “Orban's authoritarian personality contributed to my departure. He was the same man then as he is now: a very ambitious leader who pushes his views. It is strategic, but it has only one goal: conquest. Mistrust of others.” – said Szelényi, who studies at CEU in Vienna.
