Election Spotlight: Hungary Votes - Europe Watches

Since returning to power in 2010, Viktor Orbán and his party Fidesz have promoted a model of governance that combines strong executive authority with the systematic erosion of liberal checks and balances, the rule of law, and civil rights. As the most enduring embodiment of “illiberal democracy” within the European Union, and given its controversial stance on a number of geopolitical issues, Hungary has long assumed a political and symbolic importance that extends well beyond its size.

As the country prepares to go to the polls on April 12, and with surveys suggesting that Orbán’s rule may soon be coming to an end, RUG experts will gather to discuss the upcoming parliamentary elections in Hungary and their likely implications for European politics. Who are the main political players, and what do they stand for? What can we expect from the country’s electoral process, public discourse, and media landscape? And could a defeat for Orbán weaken the appeal of the far right elsewhere in Europe?

Panelists:

• Annamária Neag, Faculty of Arts
• Viktor Szép, Faculty of Law
• Piero Tortola, Faculty of Arts

Moderated by Jonas Bornemann, Faculty of Law

The event is part of the Election Spotlight series, co-organized by the Faculty of Arts, The Faculty of Law and the Democracy and Governance theme of the Agricola School.