Career Timeline of Viktor Orbán: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Viktor Orbán built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Viktor Orbán is a prominent Hungarian political figure, serving as Prime Minister of Hungary since 2010, and previously from 1998 to 2002. He has led the Fidesz party since 2003 (and earlier, 1993-2000). Re-elected in 2014, 2018, and 2022, Orbán became Hungary's longest-serving prime minister in November 2020. His long tenure signifies a substantial influence on Hungarian politics and society.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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: Leader of Fidesz Political Party

In 2003, Viktor Orbán led the Fidesz political party.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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).

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.

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: 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: Re-elected as Prime Minister

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

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: 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: Progressive taxation abolished

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

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: Re-elected as Prime Minister

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

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: Increased Immigration of Foreign Workers

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

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.

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: 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.

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.

2022: Re-elected as Prime Minister

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

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.

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: 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: 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.