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Hungary's Future Uncertain: Teetering Between Democracy and Authoritarianism

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, February 26th 2026 at 10:10 GMT by ThePrint
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Budapest, Hungary - February 26th, 2026 - Hungary stands at a pivotal moment in its history, teetering dangerously between full integration with European values and a slide into authoritarianism, according to Katalin Cseh, a leading figure in the Hungarian opposition. In an extended interview, Cseh, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing the Momentum Movement, painted a stark picture of a nation facing a systemic erosion of democratic institutions under the long-standing rule of Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his Fidesz party.

Speaking today, Cseh reiterated her concerns that the upcoming European Parliament elections represent a critical juncture for Hungary's future. "This isn't simply about choosing representatives; it's about deciding the kind of Hungary we want to be for generations to come," she stated. "We have a narrowing window of opportunity to reverse the dangerous trends we've observed over the past decade and redirect the country toward a path of genuine democracy and adherence to European principles."

Orban's Fidesz party has dominated Hungarian politics since 2010, implementing policies that critics argue have systematically dismantled checks and balances, curtailed media freedom, and suppressed civil society. Cseh detailed a pattern of creeping authoritarianism, citing increasing political interference in the judiciary as a prime example. "The independence of the courts is being deliberately undermined," she explained. "Appointments are increasingly politicized, and judges who dare to challenge the government's agenda face intimidation and pressure. This erosion of judicial independence is a fundamental threat to the rule of law."

Furthermore, Cseh emphasized the increasingly restrictive environment for independent media. "Media pluralism is vanishing," she asserted. "Pro-government media outlets dominate the landscape, and critical voices are marginalized or silenced through economic pressure and legislative changes." She pointed to the concentration of media ownership in the hands of allies of the ruling party as evidence of this trend. Civil society organizations, she added, are also facing mounting challenges, including bureaucratic hurdles, smear campaigns, and restrictions on funding.

The core of Cseh's argument centers on the assertion that Orban has skillfully exploited perceived weaknesses within the European Union to consolidate his power. "For too long, the EU has been hesitant to take decisive action against Hungary," she said. "This has emboldened Orban and allowed him to believe that he can continue to undermine democracy with impunity." She acknowledged that navigating the complexities of EU law and procedure has been a challenge, and that the principle of national sovereignty often complicates efforts to address democratic backsliding within member states. However, Cseh believes the EU must evolve a more robust and effective mechanism for safeguarding its core values.

Cseh is a prominent leader within the "United for Hungary" opposition alliance, a coalition of diverse political parties seeking to present a united front against Fidesz. While acknowledging the difficulties of forging consensus amongst such a varied group, she stressed that unity is paramount. "We understand that we have different priorities and ideologies, but we are united in our commitment to restoring democracy in Hungary," she said. "We need to demonstrate to the Hungarian people that there is a credible alternative to Orban's rule."

The pressure on Hungary to address its democratic shortcomings is mounting from various international quarters. The European Commission has initiated several investigations into concerns about the rule of law, including issues related to corruption, media freedom, and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. The European Parliament has repeatedly passed resolutions condemning the Hungarian government's actions and calling for stronger safeguards for fundamental rights.

Despite the challenging political climate, Cseh expressed cautious optimism about Hungary's future. "I firmly believe that the vast majority of Hungarians aspire to live in a democratic, prosperous, and European Hungary," she stated. "They may be disillusioned with the current political landscape, but they haven't given up on the hope of a better future." She believes that a strong showing by the opposition in the upcoming European elections could galvanize public support and create momentum for broader political change. "We need to send a clear message to Orban that his policies are unacceptable and that Hungarians are ready for a new direction." The next few months, Cseh warns, will be decisive in determining whether Hungary can reclaim its place as a beacon of democracy within the European Union or succumb to the forces of authoritarianism.