politics
Hungary Voters End Fidesz's 16-Year Rule
Hungarians voted in a large election to end the Fidesz party's 16-year rule. The election followed a period of governance that included constitutional changes and ties to Russia and China. Economic data shows Hungary lagging behind other EU countries in GDP per capita.
Apr 15, 4:14 PM·1m read1 source
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Hungary held its largest election by voter turnout, resulting in the removal of the Fidesz government after 16 years in power. The election occurred on a Sunday, with an overwhelming majority supporting the change. reason.com reported the event as a shift from the previous administration's policies.
Fidesz originated as a youth movement in the late 1980s, focused on democratic reforms during the final days of Soviet influence in Central and Eastern Europe. Viktor Orbán became Fidesz president in 1993 and served as prime minister from 1998 to 2002. The party regained power in 2010 with a two-thirds majority in parliament, enabling changes to laws, institutions, and the constitution.
Since joining the European Union in 2004, Hungary's gross domestic product per capita in purchasing power standards has fallen behind other post-communist EU members.
Poland, which was poorer than Hungary at accession, now exceeds it, while Romania has caught up. Factors include reduced private investment and the emigration of hundreds of thousands of working-age Hungarians. The previous government operated under emergency powers since 2015, allowing rule by decree.
Media outlets were largely controlled through regulatory measures, tax policies, and allocation of government advertising based on affiliations. Ties with Russia and China included economic contracts and political support.
In 2024, Chinese officials in Budapest intervened to stop a Hungarian opposition member from displaying an EU flag before a visit by Chinese leaders.
The government stated that guests should be treated respectfully, aligning activities accordingly. Relations with Russia involved statements of assistance and sharing of EU documents after meetings. The election marks the end of Fidesz's dominance, which began after a 2006 scandal involving a Socialist leader's leaked admission of misleading the public.
Future governance will involve new parliamentary dynamics without the prior two-thirds majority. Affected groups include emigrants, investors, and media operators seeking independent operations.
