Early Life and Education of Viktor Orbán: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Viktor Orbán, highlighting the experiences that shaped 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

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

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.

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.

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: Fiscal Deficit

In 1999, the fiscal deficit was 3.9%.

2001: Drop in Inflation

In 2001, the inflation rate was 7.8%.

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: Son Gáspár plays for Ferenc Puskás Football Academy

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

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.