Challenges Faced by Viktor Orbán: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Viktor Orbán. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

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

1920: Trianon Treaty

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

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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".

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: 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.

March 2019: Fidesz Suspended from EPP

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.