Right-Wing Hungarian Party Further Consolidates Power
Voters in Hungary recently participated in elections which saw the ruling right-wing Fidesz party further consolidate power. Led by Viktor Orban, the Fidesz party was able to overcome a unified effort by six opposition parties that had hoped to build a winning coalition and gain control of the government.
Instead, the Fidesz party was able to secure 54% of the vote and thus will remain in firm control of the legislature by holding 135 seats in the 199-member parliament. The election results mean that Prime Minister Viktor Orban will continue to lead Hungary as he has done for the last dozen years.
What happened in Hungary?
INSTRUCTORS: click the link below to download this week’s lecture for use in your classroom. The deck contains a writing prompt and a debate question as well as other assessment questions.
Videos:
News Articles:
Hungary election: Viktor Orban’s victory hailed by Putin
BBC NEWS
April 4, 2022
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60981648
Viktor Orbán wins fourth consecutive term as Hungary’s prime minister
THE GUARDIAN
April 3, 2022
Viktor Orban, Hungary’s authoritarian leader and key Putin ally, calls Zelensky an ‘opponent’ after winning reelection
CNN
April 4, 2022
https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/03/europe/hungary-election-results-viktor-orban-intl/index.html
News Articles (Analyses):
Hungary election: Key takeaways as Viktor Orbán wins fourth consecutive term
EURONEWS
April 4, 2022
Viktor Orban’s landslide re-election paves way for even closer Hungary-China ties
SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
April 5, 2022
Hungarian election wasn’t a fair fight, observers say
POLITICO
April 4, 2022
https://www.politico.eu/article/hungary-election-level-playing-field-fair-observer/
Assessment:
Writing:? What is the significance of the recent Hungarian parliamentary election?
Debate: What is the best way to ensure free and fair elections in Hungary?
Poll: Should the international community impose sanctions on Hungary for its recent election?
Short Answer: What are the ramifications of Hungary establishing closer ties to other authoritarian regimes?
QUIZ:
Victor Orban will continue to serve as Hungary’s Prime Minister. (T/F)
Voter turnout in Hungary’s recent parliamentary election was low. (T/F)
The Fidesz party controls a majority of the seats in the Hungarian parliament. (T/F)
Which two countries is Hungary expected to forge deeper relations in the years ahead?
- China and Ukraine.
- U.S. and Great Britain.
- Russia and China.
- India and Pakistan.
Which of the following countries does Hungary view as a declining superpower?
a. China.
b. U.S.
c. Russia
d. Great Britain.
All the following were cited as unfair advantages enjoyed by the Fidesz party EXCEPT.
a. The electoral system.
b. The media.
c. Incumbency.
d. Advertising.
