Tainted Democracy: Viktor Orban and the Subversion of Hungary

Hungary, once a poster-child of liberal democracy, is fast becoming an autocracy under Viktor Orbán. Zsuzsanna Szelényi, a leading member of Orbán's Fidesz, has witnessed the party's shift from liberalism to populist nationalism. She offers an insider's account of Fidesz's evolution and how the party rose to leadership and made sweeping legal, political, and economic changes to solidify its grip on power. Szelényi explains Orbán's successful strategy and how the opposition party Together can work to turn the country around.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

Once a shining example of liberal democracy, Hungary is rapidly evolving into an autocratic regime under the leadership of Viktor Orbán. After securing an absolute majority in 2010, Orbán initiated a series of reforms that fundamentally challenged the country's twenty-year post-Cold War liberal consensus. For supporters and critics alike, the rise and rise of Hungary's prime minister serve as a stark illustration of how democracy can be undermined from within.

Zsuzsanna Szelényi, a prominent member of Orbán's Fidesz party during its early years, has firsthand witnessed the party's transition from liberalism to populist nationalism. In her book, "Tainted Democracy: The Rise of Populist Autocracy in Hungary," Szelényi offers an insider's account of Fidesz's evolution since its inception and explains how the party rose to power under Orbán, making sweeping legal, political, and economic changes to solidify its grip on power.

One of the key questions Szelényi addresses is Orbán's remarkable success in winning widespread support within Hungary and exerting considerable influence in European politics. She delves into the factors that have contributed to Orbán's popularity, including his appeal to national pride, his anti-immigration rhetoric, and his skillful manipulation of media and public opinion. Szelényi also explores the challenges faced by Hungary's opposition party, Together, which she co-founded in 2014, in mounting a effective resistance against Orbán's regime.

Through her personal experiences at the heart of Hungarian politics, Szelényi provides accessible and nuanced insights into the global rise of populist autocracy. She highlights the dangers of authoritarianism and the importance of safeguarding democratic values and institutions. Szelényi offers practical strategies for countering the threat of populism, including promoting civic education, fostering political pluralism, and strengthening the independence of the media and judiciary.

"Tainted Democracy" is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of democracy and the challenges facing liberal societies. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of political change, the role of populism in shaping public opinion, and the potential for democratic renewal in times of adversity.

Weight: 644g
Dimension: 223 x 150 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787388024