What to do with Viktor Orban? Europe is paralysed and divided in the face of Hungary’s advancing autocracy

The crushing victory of Viktor Orban’s ruling Fidesz party in this weekend’s parliamentary elections confronts the European Union – yet again – with its own impotence when it comes to dealing with the burgeoning "illiberal democracy" on its eastern flank.

Even by the standards of Mr Orban, this was a nasty campaign in which newspapers and radio stations increasingly bought and paid for by Fidesz cronies pushed his message of ethno-nationalism and unabashed anti-semitism.

The language was foul. Mr Orban talked about refugees as “Muslim invaders” and openly revived the meme of the Wandering Jew as part of his war against George Soros, the liberal Jewish billionaire, and the ‘threat’ from Western-backed…

To continue reading this article

Start a 30-day free trial for unlimited access to Premium articles

• Unlimited access to Premium articles 
• Subscriber-only events and experiences
• Cancel any time

Free for 30 days

then only £2 per week

Try Premium

Save 25% with an annual subscription

Just £75 per year

Save now

Register for free and access one Premium article per week

Register

Only subscribers have unlimited access to Premium articles.Register for free to continue reading this article
RegisterOr unlock all Premium articles.
Free for 30 days, then just £1 per week
Start trial
Save 40% when you pay annually.
View all subscription options  |
Already have an account? Login