Orbán's 'Illiberal Democracy' Experiment Ends After 16 Years

Viktor Orbán's 16-year tenure in power has been described as an "experiment," though its exact nature remained undefined. The term "illiberal democracy" was deemed too negative, while "national conservatism," favored by his American allies, was not entirely accurate.

Orbán positioned himself as a rebel, often challenging mainstream European institutions and "Brussels bureaucrats," using their reactions to his advantage. Despite portraying himself as "anti-globalist," he welcomed German carmakers and Chinese and South Korean EV battery manufacturers to Hungary. He championed national sovereignty but did not support Ukraine's sovereignty against Russia. While railing against immigration, he quietly encouraged workers from Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Ukraine, and Turkey for his factories. His initiative to boost birth rates through financial incentives failed, with the fertility rate returning to the 1.31 level inherited in 2010.

His swift concession of defeat on Sunday night indicated a strong focus on his public image. Orbán operated under a "majoritarian" democratic principle, believing "the winner takes all," a philosophy reflected in his governance. One year after securing a two-thirds majority in 2010, he enacted a new constitution, reshaping Hungary to align with his party's vision. This parliamentary majority enabled him to push through significant changes to the court system, electoral process, and economy.

However, on Sunday, Hungarians decisively signaled their rejection of further experimentation, stating, "we don't want to be experimented on any longer." Péter Magyar's victory was attributed to his consistent use of the Hungarian flag at rallies, his promotion of an inclusive national message, and, crucially, the public's exhaustion with constant conflict.

Furthermore, voters expressed dissatisfaction with growing economic inequality, where the wealthy prospered, the poor suffered, and the middle class diminished.