Viktor Orbán's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Viktor Orbán.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2014: Re-elected as Prime Minister

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

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.

2018: Re-elected as Prime Minister

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

November 2020: Longest-Serving Prime Minister

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

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.

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.