41
In a state of necessity How has Orban changed Hungary
Andrzej Sadecki NUMBER 41 WARSAW APRIL 2014
In a state of necessity How has Orban changed Hungary
Andrzej Sadecki © Copyright by Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich im. Marka Karpia / Centre for Eastern Studies
Content editor Olaf Osica, Mateusz Gniazdowski
Editor Halina Kowalczyk
Co-operation Katarzyna Kazimierska, Anna Łabuszewska
Translation Ilona Duchnowicz
Co-operation Nicholas Furnival
Graphic design PARA-BUCH
DTP GroupMedia
Photograph on cover: PAP
Graphs Wojciech Mańkowski
Publisher Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich im. Marka Karpia Centre for Eastern Studies ul. Koszykowa 6a, Warsaw, Poland Phone + 48 /22/ 525 80 00 Fax: + 48 /22/ 525 80 40 osw.waw.pl
ISBN 978-83-62936-44-1 Contents
MAIN POINTS /5
INTRODUCTION /7
I. DOMESTIC POLICY /10
1. The constitutional reforms /10 2. Fidesz’s hegemony in the state administration /12 3. The weakening of independent institutions /13 4. The consolidation of power and the ‘irreversibility’ of the changes /14 5. The dominant position of Prime Minister Orban /14 6. Fidesz’s business and media base /16
II. ECONOMIC POLICY /19
1. The fiscal policy /20 2. More state in the economy /22 3. The results /24
III. EUROPEAN AND FOREIGN POLICY /28
1. European policy /28 2. The international criticism /30 3. The policy on Central Europe /33 4. The Eastern opening /36
CONCLUSION AND FORECASTS /40 • • • POINTSMAIN ing yet. seen be can of economic growth dynamics the improving has turn, of lems ing Frequent able the the though on scene. political Fidesz’s Hungarian on the dominance marily a a troduced He in economic and crisis. plunged was adeep political in try ity mined the idation some Viktor pean No Fidesz’s in a the of great discussion consequence checks place the and public fundamental the selected European taken political previous USA to with and necessary the Orban the overcome
investment deal situation at of this initiative key in radical and drop legislative public reinforcing foreign a fundamental debt. and the
Hungary number achievements of remains economic on opposition’s took economic Union. most controversy service in of balances the solutions, finances Nevertheless, faced changes the change as market the policy power climate, limits large part of
changes the economic since The controversies the by sectors short-term of and features
and highest in were of of and citizens, role confidence the central in of reforms, after EU such abroad, Hungary 1989. the direction political democracy the although Hungary have a national was member has significantly stagnation slight the four EU
as country in of The government measures but prevented
marginalised. added constitutional the and and the however, changes over years at caused reduction order. new has no
the parliamentary has debt. region. a Orban’s NATO. states and time clear and Hungarian to ongoing been of basic policy shown The the aimed the hemmed rule were temporary The have capital thus when
have and perspective It Relations in rule seen
rule deterioration has law mechanisms are government This restrictions public of little since aimed challenged not expanding at the cooled
provoked been flight. a of reforms. support in includes improv system, in, consol under caused law coun Euro activ prob 2007. debt, with
pri and un for In as in ------
5 POINT OF VIEW 04/2014 6 POINT OF VIEW 04/2014 • • a operation not largest political European the leading initially South The Orban Although was abroad, gence expenses. party curred. limited it borders. countries a in tion sues a tions mainstream. rhetoric election. 1989. since Hungary investment in largest the power plant, entrust much comprehensive group energy backed Visegrad strategy with announced for as
had Stream, in has EU effects Establishing a more economic part the given and at to coalitions this Furthermore, Russia. Russian
politicians issues, as severely integration member shown by home, counterbalance Hungarian of part has of The Group area. active
its a and despite NATO high an at it partners, It thus of solution Orban in
company an partner. towards continued the criticised ‘Eastern inside has On states. the policy closer priority, not from practice inclination but process the beginning caused the energy actively Orban’s V4, administration as it the Fidesz significant to Although
economic the the other concerning Although further with a pointing the opening’ the close but address Budapest format European
country sector and end tension supported government ‘dictate’ political have to developing Russia hand, of
co-operation of which treat cut Fidesz’s relations Hungary’s
out on its which Fidesz diplomatic in the resorted became Hungarian in the has
Fidesz gradually present the foreign confirmed Union, the co-operation of left’s most is the relations country’s followed basis Brussels rule supplements the as a Socialists’ decided with construction policy foundation has engaged to approach an
important with but term policy Paks expenses has of Eurosceptic became minorities opposition China conducted its co-opera rather with after
military the Moscow to and chose brought nuclear within obliga which negli in build EU’s was was
the the the the the co- for in is
as to of - - - - -
People’s try. In INTRODUCTION liamentary tions strongest His tough Socialists a ti-governmental 2006, dapest, the were ion government popularity. rhaging its At Budapest. cluding ceiving two als public was October (after Viktor ment term, when elected closed 2010, the candidates oversaw than speech economic back-to-back Together the violent taken as the having Prime financial the root finances. Orban Fidesz’s where 68% part party the Party economic 2010, the political political coalition had of was
election by right-wing clashes a of of retained Minister other Fidesz’s been meeting returned rapid boom Fidesz for with (KDNP), the been the hundreds the leaked Pal situation Furthermore, demonstrations mayors defeats cabinet mixed left upheaval and prime new seats Schmitt
government its increase in between able following received dominance power,
was Ferenc to April and political it party satellite to member (i.e. the electoral and to achieved of minister in won thus his governing at president
retain people in 2002 2010. press the demonstrators a in Fidesz but lying Gyurcsany role 58% in Hungary its Hungary constitutional far the crisis party formed same on 22 states. swept the
and It accession system. a at from had a of power during were
out the country’s won few took sweeping the political votes the of 2006, which time the been of Hungarian across benefited months 1998 Following
Hungary since 53% by injured. total head country. appealed only the This the Christian in concluded Socialists and to a and
of to began majority) failure 23 debt local left 1989. power election victory of the
the victory by the 2002). later, largest the the the The in much began country. During concealing
the and European votes, political for elections, A in party police June government in and wave Democratic causing Parliament that Gyurcsany in 2002-2010, and election reforms came campaign. a the in cities, less haemor
crisis the thus that 2010. its parlia leader, the in Liber There of coun scene from after par first Bu and Un
an the the the ac re in In in in at ------
7 POINT OF VIEW 04/2014 8 POINT OF VIEW 04/2014 gether Fidesz 1 marked sentative parliament, Minister over However, the During ernment’s final outflow a and dundancies and stabilise ternational tion Bajnai. Hungarian Fidesz (as 2006). 40% to compared in election the 19% to fell during dals Socialist In plebiscite of Hungarian while democracy-but-not-its-ideals/ ideals/http://www.pewglobal.org/2010/04/07/hungary-dissatisfied-with-global.org/2010/04/07/hungary-dissatisfied-with-democracy-but-not-its- ‘Hungary dent, deep ents cancellation plunged with stays and time. respondents the blow. capitalised from since with skilfully disillusionment However, the of 72% survey an Party the the Fidesz Gyurcsany of the foreign The term, in Dissatisfied The 77% Hungary end of against Monetary were public, referendum Hungarians. the KDNP economy. into financial difficult IMF hospital, them international conducted (MSZP) of were country did hoping to Fidesz-KDNP capitalised of respondents seen budget a capital by on saw the presented deep charges not who the described of with with had the Although economic the the in Fund situation it even imposed previously by make that left-wing found as cuts recession in many from technocratic were Democracy, opinion the Once been Pew disrepute being
2008 saw less economic they for and on the state and efforts support itself Research Hungary, faction itself companies. tired the disclosed, it situation situation higher growing that worse due popular, by reforms as would of initiated government, tax (-6.8% established negative. but recording Hungarian as the EU on of to to for of raises than crisis, Centre government would Not the membership shorten a the education, the become dealt in Gyurcsany democratic constant 1 loan and . frustration GDP conducted Its each in only The their by It For political verge made in Ideals’, which the was democracy leave their the discrediting Fidesz, granted more 2009, in set-up 2010 citizens the time country legitimate even communist political 2009). only on has the political http://www.pew values doctor’s information support led Socialist caused the 94% government. election left, in less he bankruptcy weakened among which of Hungarian possible by by became as of chamber. consulta voted Mass spoke was political popular negative, and respond Gordon left the era. a repre Prime levels visits scan mass gov high, also was see: the the evi In re 71% for to the in to ------
Jobbik LMP velopment parties tered free existing country. of the transformation political present the since market, (Politics parliament: and in order parliament, and LMP liberal Can and the challenged, the Be protection some democracy Different), xenophobic since elements albeit two of a and the party and anti-establishment of each the natural the nationalist promoting Euro-Atlantic to consensus a environment. different Jobbik sustainable regarding orientation parties extent, party Fidesz, and en the the de - -
9 POINT OF VIEW 04/2014 10 POINT OF VIEW 04/2014 citizenship. Hungarian seeking Hungarians ethnic 1920. all borders health dering system, liament In I. 2 adopted, With 1. country’s new “nation” construction for fined Liberal and expression co-operation mentary “after of administration and new otic ‘Legyen The constitutional reforms constitutional The the the hu/download/2/33/00000/Politikai_Nyilatkozat.pdf concerned any at capability two solutions. DOMESTIC POLICY DOMESTIC era. its Parliament’s its and government’s struggle forty-six the on and two-thirds serious were the declared had sweeping and decades term A béke, Hungary, leadership order.” same of Socialist new main regain of most system” also public the szabadság and Fidesz’s to the for buildings. reconstruction years social time determine of the Ethnic pillars included Hungarian institutions first victory state. majority, liberty made was living consent political rhetoric, transformation, to was as setting of electoral contract és decision introduce that a A occupation Hungarians of available egyetértés’, in accepted vote new as It which in which Fidesz of the to marked itself a elites. up the the minorities were higher “revolution the constitution of of was manifesto territories was of political commenced condition no serious would the as political to was 14 at a A reorganised. announced confidence and to the read an new June Hungary necessity declaration living the state. able introduce autonomous symbolic from be dictatorship 2010, onset changes community. political on at in the system to and of beyond “work, However, the 2010 display carry the in http://www.kormany.
country the which regained electoral of for as Reforms ballot 1956. of facilitations state the did opening and countries being a and out home, the the the culmination in state” new allowed not As and This a Fidesz had search boxes”, which country’s disgraced “national economic all major law changed its covered provide a family, parlia a 2 public lost result above of . right were cha Par bor the the the de re for for an in ------
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energy and government government low to entered electricity, against more this but continuing debt deficit The a
energy for to important improving repayment limited to flat-rate who These has
exchange information convert level reducing sector. in foreign was price imposition force recession financial the to been had companies – also below gas were has has extent, reduction region. banks without energy as
In tax existing more unable move, the and it. of adopted a been is rate, 2011, see: predominantly positive for 3% The contributed currently discipline of mortgage situation companies’, to central A. but money. The which the a change are unable borrowers which to to stop
Sadecki, Orban loans constitutional has it achieve a cut country’s second the number remains move
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few rate the ezerhez in the rate the increased reduced has Hungarian of 2010 availability by new (2007). unemployment taxes the past 2013 has sex, a been of which was közmunkások jobs from investment significantly 14 additional four age still on The primarily . to state sated Emigration were in some group economy. extended Hungary create not of years very the loans interference primarily created sectors, been 20-64, level low rate száma’, (Fidesz’s one owing levies climate. over for The has employment to brought from fell million of Eurostat, 15 within companies. the Világgazdaság almost the . employment on to rate been from with key Although expanding frequent Hungary in past banks is jobs markets back seen, http://epp.eurostat. this promise 11.2% imported 62.1% 300,000 few within rate , In has period. to 18 the legislation years. in for mostly no turn, has November the remains the have signifi 2010 as oppor people people major a prod been pub part pre- dec The Un the all to to ------25 POINT OF VIEW 04/2014 26 POINT OF VIEW 04/2014 data * estimated Source: (% of GDP) Economic 1. growth Chart Source: 2. Chart [% ofGDP] 10 11 12 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 2004 2004 [%] 6.1 4.8 (KSH) Office Statistical Central Hungarian (KSH) Office Statistical Central Hungarian Unemployment 2005 2005 7.2 4.0 2006 2006 7.5 3.9 2007 2007
7.4 0.1 (%) 2008 2008 7.8 0.9 10.0 -6.8 2009 2009 11.2 1.1 2010 2010 10.9 2011 2011 1.6 10.9 -1.7 2012 2012 10.2 2013 2013 1.1* forecast Commission * European ** funds pension private from savings of the takeover Treasury’s the from resulting * Budget surplus Source: debt Public (% 4. of GDP)Chart Source: Budget 3. deficit (% ofChart GDP) 100 -10 20 40 60 80 -8 -6 -4 -2 forecast Commission European 0 2 4 6 0 2004 2004 -6.5 59.5 [% ofGDP] [% ofGDP]
Eurostat Eurostat 2005 2005 61.7 -7.9 2006 2006 65.9 -9.4 2007 2007 67.0 -5.1 2008 2008 73.0 -3.7 2009 2009 -4.6 79.8 2010 2010 -4.3 82.2 2011 2011 82.1 4.3* 2012 2012 -2.0 79.8 2013* 2013** -2.4 77.8 2014* 2014** 79.1 -3.0 27 POINT OF VIEW 04/2014 28 POINT OF VIEW 04/2014 ment gic changes The III. 16 Neither 1. past quence the gary’s in cians ban it tary of However, regional crisis countries, tries The equipment. of outdated military modernisation vents the to part tries. policy. opening’ ‘Eastern of the part as Russia with above all Hungary’s further European policy expenses intensify practice foreign_policy_20111219.pdf the documents USA
administration four Fidesz government EUROPEAN AND FOREIGN POLICY FOREIGN AND EUROPEAN of expenses it European of in Closer from foreign Hungary’s of borders
the the statements and in co-operation, years, controversies its cut especially Fidesz Budapest the government West Foreign European allows political most political policy Union, the policy are have country’s little has and led traditional large country’s have as Policy
the from confirmed 2011, given towards provided activity as low Slovakia and has increasing by and Union. especially army over resorted EU part http://www.kormany.hu/download/e/cb/60000/ after
has Orban as government followed economic European
energy rise member around Hungarian military of the partners, and demonstrated to Hungarian The and a its to the maintain Hungarian political has coherent to initiative tension obligations contacts foreign as Romania. the EU Eurosceptic 0.8% relations states and not part expenses.
representatives EU’s and Budapest reforms. foreign tension made minorities of Presidency its policy in of vision have have NATO. has mainstream. GDP a the relations Due capabilities as with greater been any cooled rhetoric part At been (2014). strategy Visegrad has in Although for policy. to Relations Eastern relations present, of the fundamental seen the in made of the
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the reinforce who ister 17 the expressed been states of views of introduction economic the In of economic degree est sovereignty. tributed pean the presidency quiring package ry, about tions the currency national the as euro intention the introduce to the Although pact. erage Prime given ‘Orbán the the practice, ber rocsatlakozas_egyik_feltetelet.190419.html like states “Euro euro EU’s community has Orban, emphasised. integration
from that GDP the up nations’. voiced Minister eurozone 2013, the unanimity of declared decision-making to megismételte until efforts which is fiscal the Plus partners the support of
economic of United Fidesz progress mentioned http://www.portfolio.hu/gazdasag/orban_megismetelte_az_eu Hungary who the of the position by forint Pact”). it Orban pact the Orban, do to method has the member eurozone has Council over support Some Kingdom politicians of adopt for to not euro but, is az achieved minister governance made in the It remain accepts has of the enhancing the eurócsatlakozás in belong has Hungary work discrepancies unlike democratically member the even over of official states Hungarian accepted process. for past member references not and the common stable. the on have closer a to of the more blocked four EU these level the because the documents, the foreign rules should deepening states. integration intergovernmental in At proven the Czech states difficult. He years integration, eurozone egyik so-called equivalent two, currency, the to the currency. have in any does, main elected not the When affairs, the first Hungary 17 same feltételét’, Republic, it . (with that decisions also The tradition consider finally financial EU. actions however, This directions and half be “six-pack”, Hungary which been they time, governments new to In the Janos Initially and given the means of Portfolio 90% the supported wants was and in exception constitution heard have 2011, introducing Prime of the integration primacy makes method Martonyi, opinion insist the the of a sceptical held of declara ‘Europe , Hunga need that i.e. the its it 12 in EU high in Euro Min con Octo that fact the the key has the the the av re an in to of of of ------
29 POINT OF VIEW 04/2014 30 POINT OF VIEW 04/2014 er. framework financial previous of the part as than mise amendment 18 Hungary’s 2. majority nificantly. euros called Among Hungary. evaluation pean states the funds more the signed ing implemented, Minister A multiannual cil ly ropean Hungarian diplomacy ‘Többéves significant less The internationalThe criticism many.hu/tobbeves-penzugyi-keret-2014-2020 of
It adopted. negotiations next policy will from funds the from has “friends supporting money and Commission’s the priority Orban’s in
be EU of been the effectively Fidesz relations parliament pénzügyi over major the the have to parliament needed the However, part financial in than the including Cohesion of EU EU’s
the the Hungarian concerning accused been confrontational cohesion challenges task of has a constitution budget in keret past strong to first priorities strategy with 2007-2013. initial directed been granted accept just for the framework Fund four – and the half than for versenyképesség Hungary. policy its controversial before common
presidency. criticised proposal the which years an accession the in example for of Western which it to and the
new the Hungary 2011 excessive pays group” euro Hungary statements the Hungary’s are: work for an Hungary next
agricultural Hungary had financial and and in, Danube extensive for as 2014-2020. its treaty of partners Achieving and és media it of seven been the
‘abusing’ negotiations it presidency will restricting will szolidaritás’, concentration as the will presidency to has national cast compared
region belonged previously with framework receive receive the years, Council act 18 political still faced policy. have . a The a coalition adopted shadow its good Croatia receive (EUSDR) of i.e. http://eu.kor currency 18.34 significant the in two-thirds of Hungarian cooled and the of to to Although compro result 20% its set the
of became the the the role Coun billion on by Prime of Euro being more pow were EU’s less sig EU. Eu the the the be so- in in of ------
of though litical Court independent Accusations predominates. capital Budapest Group. Visegrad the from by Hungary’s partners especially view eration has were and president state’s member the suspend to procedure of the launch the as ments, such ommended primarily trol pealed dealing an launch As sisted in changes pean moves The force. in have remained changes insisted
additional sanctions People’s a the taken the controversies rule, of Union, contrary reforms, and right on the Orban’s the adversely media. with in disproportionately Council especially in them. of has by
more it evaluating most the Party EU changes the to the against Hungary made and being the levies state Hungarian relinquished vote determining to It infringement policy controversial case European lenient
Budapest of has (EPP), also American the over affecting limited Europe strongly. in imposed on but institutions the also of European has the in partly the
the the Hungarian did which measures Hungarian those been also Hungarian Council National
Commission. was largest strong concessions sectors adopted not that and part foreign because by Nevertheless, procedure, regulations been criticised cases the willing resort legal the part German
of (especially faction criticism of than of criticised reforms European Bank) resolutions Court government where the the Fidesz of business system. the government to the to when were The abroad the EU.
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belongs Washington have most and European use European within The Justice The available Commission other the of have criticising for could of the foreign been attempts have European especially of resolutions changes and stricter Constitutional the where to the the government’s and countries of undermined
Parliament, the have regulations manifested Parliament been imposition support to EPP. the pressure. criticised or from Europe it
foreign the instru to would Berlin ended or Union Euro when those made Mod con rec po the re in in ------
31 POINT OF VIEW 04/2014 32 POINT OF VIEW 04/2014 many, standards Berlin by been the Hungary’s 19 and regulations pean NATO. relations garian gary. Germany, Tension by Hungary. made aconsequence of as major efforts partly stable, the sonable the dation interests from ment’s ed come the for it right-wing tions ‘1848 has interjuk/1848-es-2010-is-megujulast-hozott ny.hu/hu/miniszterelnokseg/miniszterelnok/beszedek-publikaciok- the the freedom”, domestic political states government’s the Criticism restricted capitals in Fidesz to to has its Hungarian of diplomacy reservations moves Western és interference close 1948-49. in those do, the of between
key despite reproached of 2010 of international rallies foreign Western unfavourable like changes Western suggested scene. political the contacts making (London trade and has holding is to politicians Soviet European
In that megújulást has Hungary’s prime multilateral because actions even Budapest relations partner On turn, regarding in companies found in right’s references Brussels the Europe between and the Hungary’s liberal been that Moscow Hungary position minister Hungarian to Prime as the have contrary, Berlin). rule it hozott’, and
and heard German electorate. did engagement Western the difficult and conservative co-operation and could the the bypassed largest had of not or and for Minister next Berlin and mainly sovereign the from 15 law Hungarian Hungary’s CSU leftist Habsburg example been this harm not government March led companies to president stage countries USA. and investor, The have and southern organise dictate
to contributed in Budapest, due affected views. Orban Fidesz’s cooling
2011, has as changes government in decisions. Danube Fidesz. These remained to relations to Vienna part reforms the to protested the to http://www.korma have the were present the federal They for claimed Hungary by Western relations long relations popularity of Nevertheless, Spring
and were co-operation fact violating sparse to the been the had Politicians criticising presented with as a relatively “struggle the states present that in consoli govern EU against unwel during unrea done of tense. Euro what visits Hun Hun with have Ger and Na the the on of 19
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ian Given 3. Fidesz Commission to within for for collaboration operation approach All who ative Central have Commission deteriorated. European issues).tutional of sations Visegrad European ber actions veloping which Western the cians, the partners, counterbalance cal the The policyThe onEurope Central the Hungary coalitions the this V4. government V4, states. presented elite. the political politicians who tone is from the Danube Hungary with allowed pointing European vital Balkan energy sharp Group to integration the for The Visegrad Although aggressively of foreign (an the as regard inside as country Hungary, for reforms, the the Visegrad its disputes region. advisory the the European part has has has and region found out the relations co-operation attacks situation policy ‘dictate’ attention Group the proven to been of shown process the Hungary’s road ‘Visegrad became the Budapest for other it European although in with Group attacked body Socialists’ easy represented above Commission from example infrastructure not the area with in to of an and European formats, to to to as engaged Hungary be Brussels area has four’, is inclination covered some be all approach the play other a has which a Hungarians the a Union, format distracted been promoting valuable those traditional negligence of Council attached although down Hungarian Western by above EU EU in and institutions, and is in the by part presented but which co-operation a member connections was an neighbourhood foreign foundation critical to Eastern the basic of co-operation all rather unreliable of from significance engagement treat have Europe it not component media in the largest Fidesz’s supplements has government platform this states criticism backed legal specific by EU’s also co-operation as Partnership. the also and the on a for as area. as EU Hungar conserv manner. group strategy opinion fostered and consti backed part format part Venice politi politi policy in mem of to by of accu due The the the the the de co- its or to of of ------
33 POINT OF VIEW 04/2014 34 POINT OF VIEW 04/2014 abroad living ian the sions Hungary 21 20 The – ated between Hungary, The region. the in partner gary’s strategic a under become which Hungarian than procedure firmly nities. not frage the tional norities to For As June significantly tension constituencies. single-member in candidates for not individual and lists, party have tary_60.pdf No. a policy state Treaty registered beginning new issue half under part (albeit have
60 more Unity 2014) Socialist insist on The no Hungary more has of 2011 “bears a holding of registered of a
the in for towards million 29 also of information the parties the total Orban has
national been Day’ not 21 July relations more and Trianon granting engaged . ground proportional-majority residence more Polish of been – declared responsibility” rule. to
2011, the of commemorating the slightly 2013. its place ethnic
government a in Hungarian strongly approximately domestic full important minorities reinforced, http://www.osw.waw.pl/sites/default/files/commen presidency present presidency, the The see: of on with in of Hungarian The extent) it in residence collective Hungarians the 4 M. neighbouring increased. level is June new Hungary and the on Gniazdowski, willing political term,
minorities regional for countries role being living has of 1920, electoral to of voting stating in since
the citizenship 2.2 financial the Hungarian Hungary the minority parliament in offered to 20 Furthermore, made
as . anniversary given life in million system, implications’, fate continue Visegrad foreign The Poland countries, firmly A. a the
would law they of consequence are Sadecki, of use constitutional selective support autonomy, countries Hungarian rights. Hungarian ethnic granted was only people, citizens is are policy of that
at the established Group viewed this
OSW Commentary, OSW eligible times adopted.
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as the signing played which vote provi of. those it More Hun initi have
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Hungary of a The end, ship issue voked. the ideology. 2010. lation) significantly power, er Co-operation EU. the in laboration Prime place, most including came relations However, developing concessions similar garian centre-right dapest’s ties two neighbours 2012. constant country’s its Orban Hungarian in countries by responded numerous compatriots. Romania The cooler had and Minister became The the solutions citizenship passing a engagement This with lost rapprochement Slovakian not as in element government the was Visegrad neighbouring atmosphere citizenship participated, in towards the government part over lands in been has Romania, the at a opposition started additionally minority regulations to Orban (1.23 area key with the the of the been second the Although of act, resolved, which the co-operation topic government, in the of European million, Hungary. following regard time facilitated has responding could and criticised energy partly the of ‘V4+’ where identity allowed issue was countries half of between Hungarian-Slovak were criticised turned of under political President cemented the the to have and format, 6.5% the able of because (460,000 and citizens the years, This Union then election memory Orban’s of especially the granting and more their which whose political it to with of transport Hungarian the Hungary to life into led controversies inhabited the sympathise Romania’s where the Traian even by be and Hungarian the Slovakian pressure of people, of increasing campaign a an to term. term good community of soothed. presidential Moldova person Hungarian of though country crisis strongly tension the element Trianon others Basescu. infrastructure Hungarian relations and relations was community When by 8.5% Visegrad population), was seeking citizenship in with Romania political over in caused Nevertheless, the and coming resistance of between had of by of Romania had Fidesz of Slovakia put communi Hungary’s Romania’s the dispute the improved camp Ukraine. the Slovakia. 3 interests between adopted citizen million formed on Group, anoth by state’s popu right, is Hun to took took and col Bu re the the be for an in in to at ------
35 POINT OF VIEW 04/2014 36 POINT OF VIEW 04/2014 Budapest’s the The 4. of Hungary’s autonomy. lence. Hungary Ukraine, politicians garians have The minorities. of national rights the tecting been jvodina restitution vania. ry, phasised preciated neutral the pattian inviolability norities Janos Crimea, decided the submissiveRussia. to being tion The Eastern opening Eastern The the especially possible national ‘Eastern levelled rights Orban been actively Martonyi, protests Hungary Despite stance (around Hungarians tone (including which live Hungary’s
their the were good, relations It of support demonstrated of takeover government by minority of could opening’ in also seeking property those concessions largest Hungarian on temporary was on its the limited and Zakarpattia who 250,000), supported the disliked the borders. be the left-wing condemned neutrality, from for Hungary with was stood neighbour. of heard the conflict Maidan also strategy. regional lost the power to the the support granted hardly relations Ukraine Yanukovych minorities tension the provided after up official Hungarian Prime following Kyiv’s opposition openly Oblast). most has and for stating in by fact by Given language the
The any November taken nationalist sovereignty of Minister allowed the linked European high (around statements important that between war voters revisionist a government the interest became that Minister Since good the minority’s had Serbia that politicians political by Russian act to economic the it in Hungarians excuse Orban, made 150,000 the 2013, the the Hungary to adopted) movements. aspirations, Romania’s of in issue. the security as reject condemning of Jobbik government dispute Ukraine commencement the a
in intervention to significance Foreign reactions aspirations main model for however, Budapest from national ethnic crisis Concern situation the and and party, Hungary’s of from Transyl over issue for and Hunga accusa Zakar A Affairs but Serbia feared which Hun more from pro vio was em had ap mi Vo the the for for its in in in to ------
strategy Hungary’s ing and in for opening’ already circles. among radical popular especially is which and right, cal the Orban Hungary ern a brutally course on The Hungary. were offering wind’ ‘Eastern the ties composition around visit tarian establishing il promised Hungary’s kets intent from er vestments states progress theory Safarov, term. Azerbaijan. the the union over ‘Eastern economic partners to intensification are the have regimes diversification government financing have Baku in been 75% assumed time which murdering China was beyond still East and quick Budapest of in high-risk traditional who been of of opening’ been closer in growing Hungarians was intended railroads also powers, the the criticism its was This have has 2012, and had effects, of the establishing accompanied gradually exports EU Russia. main signed, a relations the seen, the is in gave also an been of long Hungary bonds. planning and of under policy searching to especially Western 2004. in Hungarian Armenian Arab diplomatic Hungary’s although from revealed export attract rise either. tradition Western In Hungary, and there. serving including increasing. No the addition by with states Safarov closer to the deported Huns stages. by spectacular attempts partners Socialist investments direction, Armenia The for Although China, some assurances this countries civilisation, officer international debt. a economic among were relations their co-operation an and jail ‘Eastern to one was Exports could threats. boosting ideological Azerbaijani However, Building Azerbaijan, sentence government, to other not implementation were during concerning the freezing immediately a with draw influx governed have and relations number interested of
failed opening’ Hungarian and to experiencing, Turanian Soon an trade, gain community. a Hungary non-EU bonds upon with a European in NATO inescapable the of foundation relations positive colonel, to Saudi after Hungary investments new of the opportuni in by the China’s which the policy with bring in pardoned letters the member training authori political ‘Eastern peoples, is Orban’s emerg sources buying mythi selling Arabia effect yet Ram long mar East with had this The and the de in for for to of ------
37 POINT OF VIEW 04/2014 38 POINT OF VIEW 04/2014 withdraw and agreement The Stream and tablishment sian ban tacts Paks company after loan ment able sia, the Stream ing’ Over 22 by Russia to Hungarian sire verely The Closer Moscow, Soviet In Fidesz contacts Miller). Alexey of Gazprom, president the to 2005 in order lic former Prime NATO right-wing although himself to government to political banks. policy. of 2013, at of time, nuclear the since criticised find take for around Hungary various gas was politicians co-operation prime troops Viktor Rosatom election. should Minister years, its between Russia energy a envisaging Energy pipeline due especially 1989, Although has upheld, of comprehensive rapprochement support power he minister, electorate 10 (incidentally, closer Zubkov, levels care had made the and also had enhance without have billion became the sector with co-operation Firm Orban with been left-wing project, of plant and the demonstrated decided have taken political, for when two for was three the Hungary’s the implementing Russia memory euros the has support an have the Chairman the awarded countries’ co-operation holding has the was Prime also part construction essential visits it solution it Orban been rival with consent to government leading expressed has put continued was in is signed been economic Minister entrust has party expected of interests with for also facing, to of their a Nabucco Russia government in the government a been tender. Gazprom’s intense; Moscow to element the the to sceptical state extended congresses in opposition Hungary’s with the 1956 Gyurcsany faith Russia’s participate of the Order Moscow, its accompanied and and construction is for in to challenges in new gas uprising Russia. In predecessors’ opinion an Prime 22 relations be in Board of of its the cultural parties. of to . January of attitude A pipeline effect Fidesz’s the Orban Merit granted reactors state-controlled establishing was submissiveness awarded the Fidesz greater ‘Eastern largest and of Minister wish Official in United that Directors suppressed For of the which of the with by relations, a that the of 2014, identity. towards by project. 30-year example, had a the to the for first invest part the policy similar Repub Russia. South South open closer treat con he Rus Rus EU Or the the de and es se an to of is ------
Budapest, economy in ings of end soon at 2015). (the present the onegin expires 23 among Russia 2032 only plant, negotiated ergy gotiations to nificantly ing At with Hungary’s cabinet’s of interconnectors). (e.g. construction gas the on Russian dependence the scene. with nuclear and the the as the the four same 23 2037. gas Russia. a . given increased on efforts process The with most Hungary major reactors time, negotiating power the contract Furthermore, role the Moscow important to new MVM the and of diversify of great plant, under is government building currently the contract and a also has reliable position (the impact state-owned the since gas Orban’s political facing been closer development strong supplies construction for led in the of partner. put being by operation the the rule, natural co-operation topics Orban deadline players in in challenge supply corporation order strengthened charge and Russian has for gas of of will on this to of continued South for the the on temper of the gas of expire with may decommission government the all nuclear MVM gas developing domestic are Stream). issues the Hungarian in contribute the Russia prices set between its has country’s previous power to deal to sig en Ne are be fits its be in ------39 POINT OF VIEW 04/2014 40 POINT OF VIEW 04/2014 Despite FORECASTS AND CONCLUSION Fidesz icism cant its fected national because nation tutions, One on Fidesz’simpact levels. domesticsupport fallen interests rate sential lower mum pension lowed have This distracted ual This from tection have ment a Additional tion of power. group entire clients tax. of part has no move been the has wage, at incomes. is by Fidesz as of of the part of multiple direct the of the home indexations criticism provoked At the the economic of term. the of thus around the the the held fiscal made reasons has the any Council its fact which of president government fact to
freedom plagiarism attention impact and been Fidesz’s electorate The Despite same positively only constitutional maintain social that burdens in two that and negative abroad, has sectors party’s the why able of in the time, were million. on it who of Europe the group. electorate, been the last the from has to reforms citizens’ the speech, scandal have and party the affected government’s popularity the carried where avoid and had dire capital reactions year been an support tax Those has The support and and been government been the has straits important of public rises the which using have everyday led foreign energy have economic the and out all the difficult been imposed better-off, nominated rule in abroad for has and USA not consumers. of faced every government’s the concerned unrest. benefited culminated all disputes able Orban’s pensioners, of price capital not seriously economic gesture law the have life, has law economic changes, on by and to year. been polls who cuts as raised large Demonstrations by such public and retain had predominates. may with party it from Fidesz. issues adversely The for This in for deems harmed form the stagnation. throughout hardly companies as harsh term who adversely the situation, the finances, EU a those individ the the govern has separa signifi has which an Inter mini resig insti form fit have pro crit flat- any not the es af al on or ------
country’s tion consolidate talise manifested ment support to continuing to affect Fidesz factor. important an been put sioned to liberal only tives, offer ate sition. ence Ferenc support. litical proposals cal the If ago nowyears lower. are issues, already probably Fidesz support thus citizens right itself coming forward in attracted of a
(so-called on such the also force Gyurcsany, The with parties more the Jobbik’s increase discredited been wins levels Jobbik Since focus from tension
investment sovereignty. and owes popularity political Fidesz’s longer as and years. for in Fidesz’s its joint appealing the made technocrat the on Fidesz decided through parliament, a has example party, chances electorate its the “peace small in parliamentary their strengthening The negatively candidates term. is strong projects, strongly relations left in politicians, rule. a government’s
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41 POINT OF VIEW 04/2014 42 POINT OF VIEW 04/2014 East. the in for allies search to more attempts active make will the dental with EU its tension and Western NATO may partners deteriorate, appear. Work on this text was completed in completed MarchWork was 2014 text on this are However, it likely cannot to if be be relations mitigated, ruled A ndr out with z that e though partners j S j Hungary adec inci k in - i