Full History Of Viktor Orbán In Timeline From 1920

2 days ago : Orbán's Hungary: A future vision, criticism, and potential German repercussions.

Viktor Orbán's influence on America's future is debated, while complacency is criticized. Germany's next government considers punishing Orbán. The focus shifts to Hungary's political landscape and international relations.

1920: Trianon Treaty

In 1920, the disastrous Trianon Treaty occurred, which the later "status law" of 1999 aimed to heal the negative effects of.

1949: Hungarian Constitution

The Hungarian Constitution of 1949 was replaced on January 1, 2012, by the new constitution drafted by Orbán's government.

1956: Reburial of National Martyrs

In June 1989, Orbán gave a speech in Heroes' Square, Budapest, on the occasion of the reburial of Imre Nagy and other national martyrs of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.

1956: Anniversary of Soviet Suppression Planned Demonstrations

On 1 November, Orbán and his party announced plans to stage demonstrations across Hungary on the anniversary of the 1956 Soviet suppression. The events were intended to serve as a memorial and a protest.

May 1963: Viktor Orbán Born

In May 1963, Viktor Mihály Orbán was born. He later became a Hungarian lawyer and politician.

1963: Viktor Orbán Born

In 1963, Viktor Orbán was born.

1965: Birth of Győző Orbán Jr.

In 1965, Viktor Orbán's younger brother, Győző Orbán Jr., was born.

1973: Family Moved to Felcsút

In 1973, the Orbán family moved to Felcsút, where Orbán's father headed the machinery department at the local farm collective.

1977: Family Moved to Székesfehérvár

In 1977, the Orbán family moved to Székesfehérvár, where Viktor secured a place at the Blanka Teleki school.

December 1981: Martial Law in Poland

In December 1981, martial law was declared in Poland during Viktor Orbán's military service, leading his friend Simicska to criticize it.

May 1982: State Security Report

In May 1982, a state security report described Viktor Orbán as "loyal to our social system".

1983: Studied Law at Eötvös Loránd University

In 1983, Viktor Orbán began studying law at the Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, where he joined Jogász Társadalomtudományi Szakkollégium.

1983: Minor Role in Szegény Dzsoni és Árnika film

In 1983, Viktor Orbán played a minor role as a footballer in the Hungarian family film Szegény Dzsoni és Árnika.

1984: Chairman of College Executive Committee

In 1984, Viktor Orbán became chairman of the executive committee of the college's 60 students.

1985: Trips to Poland

In 1984-1985 school year, Viktor Orban went on a series of trips to Poland with classmates and lecturer Tamás Fellegi

1985: College Journal Funded by George Soros

Since 1985, the college journal Századvég (End of the Century) was funded by George Soros.

September 1986: Marriage to Dr Anikó Lévai

In September 1986, Viktor Orbán married Dr. Anikó Lévai in Szolnok.

1986: Marriage to Anikó Lévai

In 1986, Viktor Orbán married Anikó Lévai, a jurist. They would go on to have five children together.

November 1987: Welcomed Delegates to Seminar

In November 1987, at the Lawyers' Special College of Social Sciences, Viktor Orbán welcomed a group of 150 delegates from 17 countries to a two-day seminar on Perestroika, conscientious objection, and the prospects for a pan-European democratic movement.

1987: Trip to Poland

In 1987, Viktor Orbán went on a trip to Poland with classmates and lecturer Tamás Fellegi during the third pastoral visit of John Paul II

March 1988: Founded Fidesz

On 30 March 1988, Viktor Orbán, alongside others, founded the Alliance of Young Democrats (FIDESZ).

April 1988: Part-time Employment by Soros Foundation

In April 1988, Viktor Orbán was employed part-time by the Soros Foundation.

June 1989: Speech in Heroes' Square

On 16 June 1989, Viktor Orbán gave a speech in Heroes' Square, Budapest, demanding free elections and the withdrawal of Soviet troops, bringing him to national prominence.

September 1989: Research Fellowship at Pembroke College

In September 1989, Viktor Orbán began a research fellowship at Pembroke College, Oxford, funded by the Soros Foundation.

October 1989: Fidesz Became a Political Party

In October 1989, Fidesz became a political party.

January 1990: Returned to Hungary to Run for Parliament

In January 1990, Viktor Orbán abandoned his project at Oxford and returned to Hungary with his family to run for a seat in Hungary's first post-communist parliament.

April 1990: Elected Member of Parliament

In April 1990, Viktor Orbán was elected Member of Parliament from Pest County.

1990: Elected to National Assembly

In 1990, Viktor Orbán was first elected to the National Assembly and led Fidesz's parliamentary group until 1993.

September 1992: Elected Vice Chairman of Liberal International

In September 1992, Viktor Orbán was elected vice chairman of the Liberal International.

April 1993: First President of Fidesz

On 18 April 1993, Viktor Orbán became the first president of Fidesz, replacing the national board.

May 1993: End of Term as Leader of Parliamentary Group

In May 1993, Viktor Orbán's term as leader of the Fidesz's parliamentary group came to an end.

1993: Fidesz's Parliamentary Group Leadership

In 1993, Viktor Orbán concluded his leadership of Fidesz's parliamentary group, a position he had held since 1990.

1993: Leader of Fidesz Political Party

In 1993, Viktor Orbán led the Fidesz political party until 2000.

1994: Member of Parliament

During the 1994 parliamentary election, Viktor Orbán became MP from his party's Fejér County Regional List.

1995: Member of Committee

In 1995, Viktor Orbán was also a member of the Immunity, Incompatibility and Credentials Committee for a short time and his party adopted "Hungarian Civic Party" (Magyar Polgári Párt) to its shortened name.

April 1996: Chairman of Hungarian National Committee

From April 1996, Viktor Orbán was chairman of the Hungarian National Committee of the New Atlantic Initiative (NAI).

1998: Chairman of Committee on European Integration Affairs

Between 1994 and 1998, Viktor Orbán was chairman of the Committee on European Integration Affairs.

1998: First Term as Prime Minister

From 1998 to 2002, Viktor Orbán served his first term as prime minister, during which inflation and the fiscal deficit decreased, and Hungary joined NATO.

1998: Bribery Scandal and Urban Project Cancellation

In 1998, Two of Orbán's state secretaries in the prime minister's office had to resign in May, due to their implication in a bribery scandal involving the American military manufacturer Lockheed Martin Corporation. The government was also involved in cancelling two major urban projects: the construction of a new national theatre.

1998: Prime Minister of Hungary

In 1998, Viktor Orbán became the prime minister of Hungary, holding the office until 2002.

1998: Formed Coalition and Became Prime Minister

In 1998, Viktor Orbán formed a coalition with the Hungarian Democratic Forum (MDF) and the Independent Smallholders' Party (FKGP), winning the parliamentary elections and becoming Prime Minister of Hungary.

1998: Drop in Inflation

In 1998, the inflation rate was 15%.

March 1999: Hungary Joined NATO

In March 1999, after Russian objections were overruled, Hungary joined NATO along with the Czech Republic and Poland. The Hungarian membership to NATO demanded its involvement in Federal Republic of Yugoslavia's Kosovo crisis and modernization of its army.

1999: Hungary passes "status law"

In 1999, Hungary garnered international attention for enacting the "status law". This law aimed to extend education, health benefits, and employment rights to approximately three million ethnic Hungarian minorities residing in neighboring Romania, Slovakia, Serbia and Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, and Ukraine.

1999: Fiscal Deficit

In 1999, the fiscal deficit was 3.9%.

November 2000: Fidesz Left Liberal International

In November 2000, Fidesz left the Liberal International and joined the European People's Party (EPP).

2000: End of Leadership of Fidesz Political Party

In 2000, Viktor Orbán stepped down from leading the Fidesz political party.

2000: Orbán's comment on life outside the EU

In 2000, opposition parties and the left-wing press interpreted Orbán's comment that "there's life outside the EU" as a sign of his anti-Europeanism.

September 2001: Opinion Polls

In September 2001, a Gallup poll indicated that a joint Fidesz – Hungarian Democratic Forum party list would have support from up to 33% of the voters, while the Socialists would draw 28%.

December 2001: Agreement with Romania

In December 2001, Romania acquiesced to Hungary's "status law" after amendments were made following an agreement between Viktor Orbán and Romanian Prime Minister Adrian Năstase.

2001: Political Influence in the Media

During 2001, a report criticized the Hungarian government for improper political influence in the media, and numerous political scandals led to a breakup of the coalition. A bribery scandal in February triggered allegations and prosecutions against the Independent Smallholders' Party.

2001: Drop in Inflation

In 2001, the inflation rate was 7.8%.

October 2002: Elected Vice-President of EPP

In October 2002, Viktor Orbán was elected vice-president of the European People's Party (EPP) at the EPP's Congress in Estoril.

2002: Led Opposition Party

From 2002 to 2010, Viktor Orbán led the opposition party after losing reelection.

2002: Slovakia accepts the "status law"

In 2002, Slovakia accepted the Hungarian "status law" after further concessions were made by the new government following the elections.

2002: End of First Term as Prime Minister

In 2002, Viktor Orbán's first term as prime minister of Hungary came to an end.

2002: General Elections Approaching

In 2002, as general elections approached, public support for political parties in Hungary generally stagnated. Opinion polls showed Fidesz and the main opposition Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP) running neck and neck for most of the year.

2003: Orbán clarifies his EU stance

In 2003, Orbán clarified that while it wouldn't be a tragedy if Hungary couldn't join the EU that year, his government was actively working towards integration to boost the economy.

2003: Leader of Fidesz Political Party

In 2003, Viktor Orbán led the Fidesz political party.

2003: Orbán received advice on economic reforms from Netanyahu

Orbán had a close relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Orbán received personal advice on economic reforms from Netanyahu, while the latter was Finance Minister of Israel (2003–2005).

2004: Fidesz wins European Parliament election

In 2004, the opposition conservative Fidesz party heavily defeated the ruling Hungarian Socialist Party in the European Parliament election. Fidesz secured 47.4% of the vote, gaining 12 of Hungary's 24 seats.

2005: Orbán received advice on economic reforms from Netanyahu

Orbán had a close relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Orbán received personal advice on economic reforms from Netanyahu, while the latter was Finance Minister of Israel (2003–2005).

October 2006: Fidesz wins Municipal Elections

In October 2006, Fidesz won the municipal elections, winning 15 of 23 mayoralties in Hungary's largest cities and majorities in 18 of 20 regional assemblies.

October 2006: Referendum Procedure Started

On 23 October 2006, Viktor Orbán initiated the procedure for a national referendum against the ruling MSZP, submitting seven questions to the National Electorate Office.

2006: Fidesz fails to gain majority in parliamentary election

In 2006, Viktor Orbán was the Fidesz candidate for the parliamentary election; however, Fidesz and its candidate failed again to gain a majority. Initially, Orbán's future political career as the leader of Fidesz was in question.

May 2007: Orbán re-elected president of Fidesz

In May 2007, after contentious engagement with the Socialist-Liberal coalition, Viktor Orbán's position within Fidesz was reinforced, leading to his re-election as president of Fidesz for another term.

December 2007: Questions Approved for Referendum

On 17 December 2007, three questions relating to abolishing copayments, daily fees, and college tuition fees were officially approved for the national referendum initiated by Fidesz.

2007: Western Financial Crisis

Orbán described the Western 2007 financial crisis as a paradigm shift of the international order.

January 2008: Referendum Called

On 24 January 2008, the approved questions were officially called for the national referendum initiated by Fidesz.

March 2008: National Referendum Passes

In March 2008, a national referendum initiated by Fidesz took place and passed, marking a significant victory for the party. The referendum aimed to revoke government reforms regarding doctor fees per visit, medical fees paid per number of days spent in hospital, and tuition fees in higher education.

2008: Western Financial Crisis

Orbán described the Western 2008 financial crisis as a paradigm shift of the international order.

2009: FIFA President Visit and Puskás Award Creation

In 2009, FIFA President Sepp Blatter visited the Puskás Academy. During that visit, Blatter, along with the widow of Ferenc Puskás and Orbán, announced the creation of the FIFA Puskás Award.

2009: Fidesz Wins European Parliament Election

In 2009, Fidesz won the European Parliament election by a large margin, securing 56.36% of the votes and 14 of Hungary's 22 seats.

2010: Increased family spending by the Hungarian government

According to The Guardian, in 2010 the Hungarian government doubled family spending between 2010 and 2019 to achieve demographic changes by 2030.

2010: Rise in Catholic schools in Hungary

Between 2010 and 2018, the number of Catholic schools in Hungary increased from 9.4 percent to 18 percent, as Orbán's government supported Christian education.

2010: Decline in various indices

Between 2010 and 2020, Hungary experienced a decline in the Press Freedom Index, the Democracy Index, and the Corruption Perceptions Index.

2010: Economic Growth in Hungary

Between 2010 and 2021, Hungary experienced strong economic growth and plummeting unemployment under Orbán's government.

2010: Prime Minister of Hungary

In 2010, Viktor Orbán became the prime minister of Hungary.

2010: Resumed Office

In 2010, Viktor Orbán resumed office as Prime Minister.

2010: Orbán's party wins parliamentary elections

In 2010, Viktor Orbán's party won the parliamentary elections with 52.7% of the popular vote, resulting in a 68% majority of parliamentary seats.

2010: Comparison to 2010 election

In the April 2014 election, while Orbán's party won a large majority, it received 44.5% of the national vote, which was 8.7% less than in 2010.

2010: Policies Undermining Democracy

Since 2010, when Viktor Orbán resumed office, his policies have undermined democracy, weakened judicial independence, increased corruption, and curtailed press freedom in Hungary.

2010: Initiatives and laws to hinder human rights of LGBT+ people

Since his election as prime minister in 2010, Orbán has led initiatives and laws to hinder human rights of LGBT+ people, regarding such rights as "not compatible with Christian values".

2011: Purchase of Hatvanpuszta Estate

In 2011, Hatvanpuszta, a historic estate, was purchased by a company owned by Viktor Orbán’s father, Orbán Győző. The estate underwent redevelopment, sparking controversy and allegations of secrecy.

2011: Szájer as one of the major architects behind the 2011 Constitution of Hungary

In 2011, József Szájer was one of the major architects behind the 2011 Constitution of Hungary.

2011: New Constitution Drafted

In 2011, Orbán's government drafted a new constitution behind closed doors, debated it for only nine days in parliament, and passed it on a party line. He would go on to amend the constitution twelve times in his first year in office.

January 2012: New Constitution Enters into Force

On 1 January 2012, the new constitution drafted by Orbán's government entered into force, replacing the Hungarian Constitution of 1949.

2012: Flat Tax Implemented

In 2012, Orbán's government implemented a flat tax on personal income set at 16%.

2012: End of Term as Vice-President of EPP

In 2012, Viktor Orbán ended his term as vice-president of the European People's Party (EPP).

2012: Westinghouse and Areva lured

Since 2012, Westinghouse and Areva, two Western prime contractors, had been lured by the Hungarian civil service but eventually had been frozen out of competition by the Orbán government, who chose to sole-source the Paks II deal.

2013: Hungary repays IMF loan

In 2013, Hungary paid the last of its IMF loan ahead of schedule, leading to the fund closing its Budapest office later that year.

2013: Constitutional and Legislative Reforms

In 2013, during Viktor Orbán's second premiership, several controversial constitutional and legislative reforms were made, including amendments to the Constitution of Hungary.

2013: Creation of the Center for Fundamental Rights

In 2013, the Center for Fundamental Rights (Alapjogokért Központ) was created by the government, with a mission to preserve national identity, sovereignty, and Christian social traditions.

2013: Establishment of the Danube Institute

In 2013, the Danube Institute, a think tank supporting Orbán's ideas, was established and funded by the Hungarian government through the Batthyány Foundation.

January 2014: Agreement on Paks II Nuclear Power Plant

On 14 January 2014, Viktor Orbán signed an agreement with Vladimir Putin in Moscow for the Paks II nuclear power plant (NPP). Rosatom would develop the NPP, and Hungary was to finance the plant by borrowing from Russia.

April 2014: Fidesz wins Parliamentary Election

In April 2014, Fidesz won a majority in the parliamentary election, securing 133 of the 199 seats in the National Assembly.

July 2014: Orbán articulates illiberalism ideology

In July 2014, during a speech in Băile Tușnad, Romania, Viktor Orbán publicly articulated an ideology of illiberalism.

November 2014: Proposed Internet Tax and Protests

In November 2014, Orbán proposed a controversial "internet tax", leading to numerous protests against his government, including one in Budapest against the proposed tax.

December 2014: Questioning Nord Stream II

In December 2014, Orbán questioned the Nord Stream II pipeline, contrasting it with the cancelled South Stream project and seeking justification for the different treatment.

2014: Son Gáspár converts to Faith Church

In 2014, Gáspár Orbán, Viktor Orbán's son, converted to the Faith Church, a Pentecostal denomination, and became a minister. He claimed to have heard from God and witnessed miraculous healings.

2014: Tusnádfürdő Speech

In 2014, Orbán delivered a significant public address at Băile Tușnad, known as the Tusnádfürdő speech, repudiating classical liberal theory and advocating for the state to organize and construct the national community, promoting national self-sufficiency, sovereignty, familialism, full employment, and cultural preservation.

2014: Son Gáspár plays for Ferenc Puskás Football Academy

In 2014, Orbán's son, Gáspár, played football for Ferenc Puskás Football Academy.

2014: Re-elected as Prime Minister

In 2014, Viktor Orbán was re-elected as prime minister.

2014: Hungary Gains Observer Status at the General Assembly of Turkic-speaking States

Since 2014, Hungary has held observer status at the General Assembly of Turkic-speaking States, marking the beginning of closer relations with Turkic nations.

2015: Hungary–Serbia barrier

During the 2015 European migrant crisis, Orbán ordered the erection of the Hungary–Serbia barrier to block entry of illegal immigrants so that Hungary could register all the migrants arriving from Serbia.

2015: George Soros criticizes Orbán's handling of the European migrant crisis

In 2015, George Soros criticized Orbán's handling of the European migrant crisis, arguing that Orbán prioritized border protection over the protection of refugees.

2015: Hungary Joins Belt and Road Initiative

In 2015, Hungary joined China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), indicating closer economic and political ties with China.

2015: Orbán criticizes EU immigration policy

In 2015, Orbán criticized the European Union's immigration policy in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, calling it "madness" and demanded an official EU list of "safe countries".

2015: Accusations of engineering the European migrant crisis

In 2015, Orbán was accused of engineering the European migrant crisis for political gain by mistreating migrants and sending them to Western Europe to fuel far-right sympathies.

2015: Orbán's stance on migration becomes mainstream

In 2015, The New York Times acknowledged that Viktor Orbán's stance on migration was slowly becoming mainstream in European politics. György Konrád, an ardent critic of Orbán, stated that Orbán was right and Merkel was wrong concerning the handling of the migrant crisis at that time.

2015: Progressive taxation abolished

In 2015, progressive taxation on income was abolished in Hungary and replaced with a flat rate of 16% on gross income.

2015: Parliament Votes

In September of 2015, all but one of the points regarding the surveillance of the archipelago were voted through by the Parliament.

2015: Hungary no longer ranked as a democratic country

In her 2015 article on Orbán's illiberal democracy, Abby Innes stated that "Hungary can no longer be ranked a democratic country".

2016: Orbán's political system called a kleptocracy

In 2016, Kenneth Krushel called Orbán's political system a kleptocracy in The New York Times, alleging that wealth is channeled into the pockets of Orbán and his associates.

July 2017: Controversy over Anti-Soros Billboard Campaign

In July 2017, the Israeli ambassador in Hungary, along with Jewish groups and others, denounced a government-backed billboard campaign targeting George Soros, claiming it evoked memories of Nazi posters. Later, Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a clarification denouncing Soros for undermining Israel. These anti-Soros messages became key elements of the government's communication and campaign and targeted the Central European University (CEU).

2017: Application for Accession to the International Turkic Academy

In 2017, Hungary submitted an application to join the International Turkic Academy, furthering its ties with Turkic-speaking nations.

2017: Comparison to Russian Oligarchs

In 2017, a Financial Times article compared the Hungarian elite under Orbán's government to Russian oligarchs, noting that Hungary's "Oligarchs" under Orbán largely benefit from EU subsidies.

2017: Criticism of Ukraine's Education Law

Since 2017, Hungary's relations with Ukraine deteriorated due to Orbán's criticism of Ukraine's 2017 education law, which prioritized Ukrainian as the language of education, leading to threats to block Ukraine's EU integration.

April 2018: Fidesz–KDNP alliance victorious

In April 2018, the Fidesz–KDNP alliance was victorious in the Hungarian parliamentary election, preserving its two-thirds majority, with Orbán remaining prime minister.

October 2018: Remarks on Turkish Stability and Migration

In October 2018, following discussions with Turkish President Erdoğan in Budapest, Orbán stated that a stable Turkey is essential for Hungary's security regarding overland migration.

2018: Rise in Catholic schools in Hungary

By 2018, the number of Catholic schools in Hungary increased to 18 percent, from 9.4 percent in 2010, as Orbán's government supported Christian education.

2018: Hungary Obtains Observer Status in the Turkic Council

In 2018, Hungary was granted observer status in the Turkic Council, indicating closer cooperation with Turkic-speaking states.

2018: Orbán's speech at meeting of municipal association

In 2018, Orbán expressed at a municipal association meeting his opposition to diversity and mixing of national cultures.

2018: Re-elected as Prime Minister

In 2018, Viktor Orbán was re-elected as prime minister.

2018: Remarks on Christian Europe and Cultural Replacement

In a 2018 speech, Orbán expressed concern over the potential end of Christian Europe, suggesting some seek to transform Europe by replacing its cultural foundations with new ethnic groups not rooted in Christian culture.

January 2019: Praise for Jair Bolsonaro

In January 2019, during a press conference, Orbán commended Brazil's then-president Jair Bolsonaro, asserting that 'the most apt definition of modern Christian democracy can be found in Brazil, not in Europe'.

February 2019: Netanyahu Thanked Orbán for Embassy Extension in Jerusalem

In February 2019, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Orbán for 'deciding to extend the embassy of Hungary in Israel to Jerusalem', highlighting their close relationship.

March 2019: Fidesz Suspended from EPP

In March 2019, Fidesz was suspended from the European People's Party.

April 2019: Attended BRI Forum in Beijing

In April 2019, Orbán attended the Belt and Road Initiative forum in Beijing, where he met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, reinforcing Hungary's participation in the BRI.

June 2019: Meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi

In June 2019, Orbán met with Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi to discuss bilateral ties and illegal migration.

2019: Orbán leases farm land to political individuals

A 2019 New York Times investigation revealed how Orbán leased plots of farm land to politically connected individuals and supporters of his and his party, thereby channeling disproportionate amounts of the EU's agricultural subsidies Hungary receives every year into the pockets of cronies.

2019: Increased family spending by the Hungarian government

According to The Guardian, by 2019 the Hungarian government doubled family spending between 2010 and 2019 to achieve demographic changes by 2030.

2019: Increased Immigration of Foreign Workers

As of 2019, Hungary increased the immigration of foreign workers into the country to address a labor shortage.

2019: Freedom House downgrades Hungary

In 2019, Freedom House downgraded Hungary from "free" to "partly free".

2019: Orbán's statement on immigration and Hungarian children

In 2019, Orbán stated that immigration is the West's solution to population issues, but Hungary needs Hungarian children, not just numbers. He emphasized pro-natalist policies over immigration.

2019: Government control of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences

In 2019, the government passed a law taking control of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

February 2020: Interview at National Conservatism Conference

In February 2020, Viktor Orbán was interviewed by Christopher DeMuth at the National Conservatism Conference in Rome.

March 2020: Legislation Passed Creating State of Emergency

On 30 March 2020, the Hungarian parliament passed legislation creating a state of emergency without a time limit, granting the prime minister the ability to rule by decree.

May 2020: Court rules against migrant transit zones

In May 2020, the European Court of Justice ruled against Hungary's policy of migrant transit zones, which Orbán subsequently abolished while also tightening the country's asylum rules.

June 2020: State of Emergency Ended

On 16 June 2020, the Hungarian parliament passed a bill ending the state of emergency effective 19 June. However, on the same day, a new law was passed removing the requirement of parliamentary approval for future "medical" states of emergencies.

July 2020: Comments on Linking EU Funds to Rule-of-Law Criteria

In July 2020, Viktor Orbán commented on the linking of disbursement of funds of the European Union to rule-of-law criteria, stating they "didn't win the war, we (they) won an important battle".

August 2020: Remarks on Christian Roots and Western Europe

In August 2020, Viktor Orbán spoke at an event inaugurating a monument commemorating the Treaty of Trianon, stating that Central European nations should come together to preserve their Christian roots as western Europe experiments with same-sex families, immigration, and atheism.

November 2020: Longest-Serving Prime Minister

On 29 November 2020, Viktor Orbán became Hungary's longest-serving prime minister.

2020: Decline in various indices

Between 2010 and 2020, Hungary experienced a decline in the Press Freedom Index, the Democracy Index, and the Corruption Perceptions Index.

2020: End of legal recognition of transgender people

In 2020, Orbán's government ended legal recognition of transgender people, which received criticism both in Hungary and abroad.

2020: Danube Institute Hosting Fellows

In 2020, the Danube Institute, a think tank supporting Orbán's ideas, began hosting fellows.

March 2021: Fidesz Left the EPP

In March 2021, Fidesz left the EPP over a dispute over new rule-of-law language in the latter's bylaws.

August 2021: Tucker Carlson Broadcasts from Budapest

In August 2021, Tucker Carlson hosted episodes of his show, Tucker Carlson Tonight, from Budapest and conducted an interview with Orbán, receiving criticism for its favorable nature.

October 2021: Orbán blames EU Green Deal for energy prices surge

In October 2021, Viktor Orbán blamed a surge in energy prices on the European Commission's Green Deal plans.

2021: Meeting with Putin in Moscow

Amidst the 2021-2022 Ukraine crisis, Orbán met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, calling it a 'peacekeeping mission,' and discussed Russian gas exports to Hungary.

2021: GDP Growth and Tax Exemption

In 2021, Hungary's year-on-year GDP growth was at 4 percent, and income taxes on those aged 25 years or younger were abolished.

2021: Remarks on Hungarian and Turkic Heritage

In 2021, Orbán highlighted the historical and cultural heritage shared between the Hungarian and Turkic peoples, stating that Hungarians are 'proud of this heritage'.

2021: Privatization of Hungarian Universities

In 2021, Orbán's government passed a bill privatizing 11 Hungarian universities, endowing them with billions of euros in assets and appointing conservatives to their supervisory boards.

2021: Legislation to censor LGBT+ content

In 2021, Orbán's party proposed legislation to censor any LGBT+ positive content in movies, books, or public advertisements, and to severely restrict sex education in schools.

2021: Inspiration for Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' Law

In 2021, a Hungarian law was passed that resembled Florida's law regulating sex education in schools, sometimes called the 'Don’t Say Gay' law and served as inspiration for it.

2021: Ranking in Electoral Democracy Index

In 2021, the V-Dem Democracy indices ranked Hungary 96th in its "electoral democracy index", placing it between Benin and Malaysia.

2021: Control of State Universities Transferred

In 2021, the parliament transferred control of 11 state universities to foundations led by allies of Orbán. The Mathias Corvinus Collegium received an influx of government funds and assets.

2021: Comments on Bosnia

In a 2021 speech, Orbán said "The challenge with Bosnia is how to integrate a country with 2 million Muslims," resulting in calls for his visit to Sarajevo to be cancelled. His statement was characterized as "xenophobic and racist".

January 2022: Endorsement from Donald Trump

In January 2022, Donald Trump endorsed Orbán in the 2022 Hungarian parliamentary election, praising his love for his country, his commitment to safety, and his hard-line immigration policies.

March 2022: Response to Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

In March 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Orbán welcomed Ukrainian refugees to Hungary and supported Ukraine's EU membership. He initially condemned the invasion and supported EU sanctions against Russia, but rejected sanctions on Russian energy due to Hungary's dependence on it. Later, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Orbán for supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and providing asylum.

April 2022: Fidesz Wins Parliamentary Election

In April 2022, Fidesz secured a majority in the parliamentary election, gaining 135 out of 199 seats. Despite concerns about Orbán's ties with Moscow, Fidesz voters were convinced that closer ties with the EU could lead to war. Orbán declared victory and claimed it was visible from the moon and Brussels. Opposition leader Péter Márki-Zay conceded defeat.

April 2022: Fidesz party wins election

In April 2022, Orbán's Fidesz party won 54% of the vote but 83% of the districts due to gerrymandering and other electoral rule changes.

May 2022: Orbán Promotes Great Replacement Conspiracy Theory

In May 2022, Orbán promoted the Great Replacement conspiracy theory in a speech, sparking controversy.

May 2022: CPAC Satellite Event in Budapest

In May 2022, the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held a satellite event in Budapest, showcasing the ties between American and Hungarian conservatism.

July 2022: Controversial Speech at Bálványos Free Summer University

In July 2022, Viktor Orbán delivered a speech at the 31st Bálványos Free Summer University and Student Camp, expressing views on migration and race that were widely condemned. Zsuzsa Hegedűs, one of Orbán's senior advisers, described the speech as "a pure Nazi text" and resigned. Orbán stated that "we are willing to mix with one another, but we do not want to become peoples of mixed-race". The speech drew condemnation from the Romanian foreign ministry and other European leaders.

July 2022: Remarks on Race Mixing

In July 2022, while in Romania, Orbán echoed Jean Raspail's ideas against the 'mixing' of European and non-European races, stating Hungarians do not want to become a mixed race. He later clarified in Vienna that he was referring to cultures, not race.

August 2022: Orbán speaks at CPAC in Dallas

In August 2022, Orbán was the opening speaker at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Dallas, Texas, underscoring his influence in conservative political circles.

November 2022: Opening of the Brussels branch of the Mathias Corvinus Collegium

In November 2022, the Brussels branch of the Mathias Corvinus Collegium, a conservative think tank supported by Orbán's government, opened.

2022: Accusations of Antisemitism and Condemnation by International Auschwitz Committee

In 2022, Viktor Orbán faced accusations of antisemitism and was condemned by the International Auschwitz Committee for comments criticizing mixing "with non-Europeans." The Committee called on the EU to distance itself from "Orbán's racist undertones." Defenders argued his actions, like founding the Holocaust Memorial Center, countered antisemitism claims. He has also been accused of rehabilitating antisemitic Hungarian historical figures and of exploiting antisemitism.

2022: Re-elected as Prime Minister

In 2022, Viktor Orbán was re-elected as prime minister.

2022: European Parliament's Statement on Hungary's Democracy

In 2022, the European Parliament stated that "Hungary can no longer be considered a full democracy" and that the country has become an "electoral autocracy".

2022: Referendum regarding LGBTQ issues in education

In the spring of 2022, Orbán announced a four-question referendum regarding LGBTQ issues in education, which ultimately did not pass, after complaints from the European Union (EU) about anti-LGBTQ discriminatory laws.

February 2023: Meeting with Wang Yi and Support for Chinese Peace Plan

In February 2023, Orbán met with CCP Politburo member Wang Yi in Budapest and subsequently supported the Chinese peace plan for the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

February 2023: Support for Chinese Peace Plan

On 27 February 2023, Viktor Orbán voiced Hungary's support for the Chinese peace plan concerning the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, despite the disapproval of Western leaders. The statement, including criticism of unilateral sanctions, was seen as an effort to reduce risks tied to nuclear weapons in Central and Eastern Europe.

July 22, 2023: Orbán's speech in Romania

On July 22, 2023, in a speech he gave in Romania, Orbán complained that the EU was conducting an "LGBTQ offensive".

December 2023: Amendment of Ukraine's Language Law

In December 2023, Ukraine amended its language law to favor official languages of the European Union, including Hungarian, addressing some of the criticism from Orbán and his cabinet ministers.

2023: Hungary as the most corrupt country in the EU

According to Transparency International, Hungary was the most corrupt country in the European Union in 2023.

2023: Attendance at Erdoğan's Inauguration

In 2023, Orbán attended the inauguration ceremonies of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara, continuing to foster close ties between Hungary and Turkey.

2023: Windfall taxes imposed on various sectors

In 2023, due to the economic impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic, Orbán's government imposed windfall taxes on banks, pharmaceutical companies, and energy companies to maintain a government-subsidized cap on utility bills.

2023: Remarks on Hungarian-Kazakh Connections

In 2023, during a visit to Kazakhstan, Orbán stated that Hungarians visit Kazakhstan 'with great pleasure' because of the 'millennial common roots' shared by the two nations.

2023: Support for Israel in the 2023 Israel-Hamas War

In 2023, the Hungarian government voiced support for Israel amidst the Israel-Hamas war. On 13 October, Orbán affirmed Israel's right to self-defense. On 22 October, Máté Kocsis announced Fidesz would propose a parliamentary manifesto condemning Hamas terrorism.

2023: Abortion rate in Hungary

In 2023, the number of abortions procured in Hungary fell to 24.8 per hundred live births, which is a 45% decrease from 2010.

July 2024: Pipeline Dispute with Ukraine and Croatia

In July 2024, after Zelensky shut down the overland pipeline transferring Russian petroleum products to Hungary, Orbán protested. When Croatia offered the Adria pipeline as an alternative, Orbán rejected it, citing unreliability.

October 2024: Criticism at the European Parliament

In October 2024, during Hungary's EU presidency, Orbán faced criticism at the European Parliament. Ursula von der Leyen accused him of not supporting Ukraine and mismanaging Hungary's economy. MEP Péter Magyar criticized Orbán's government for corruption and declining living standards.