When stars align... How did Viktor Orban lose in Hungary?

Maria Skóra

18.05.2026 17:30–18:00
Lightning Box 3
English
(Lightning-) Talk
Politics & Society
#Zivilgesellschaft #Vibe Shift #Demokratie #Never Gonna Give You Up
Democratic backsliding in Hungary was unprecedented. It manifested in state capture, the suppression of independent media and the intimidation of civil society. Even the electoral system was changed to favour the Fidesz party. But after 16 years in power, Viktor Orbán’s system collapsed. Why now? How did it happen? This session will look for answers.

Democratic backsliding in Hungary was unprecedented. First, in 2011, Orbán’s super-majority passed a new Fundamental Law. Next, state capture, high-level corruption, the suppression of independent media and the intimidation of civil society followed. The Fidesz party controlled all levels of governance. Even the electoral system was changed it its favour. Past attempts to unseat Fidesz governments failed. But after 16 years in power, stars aligned and the Orbán’s regime collapsed, it was voted out in the recent parliamentary election. Why? How? This session will look for answers.