Illiberalism Is Not Inevitable

"The defeat of Viktor Orbán required not just an ordinary election campaign but the construction of a broad, diverse, and patriotic grassroots social movement, changing politics around the world."

"Orbán's loss ends the assumption of inevitability surrounding illiberal parties, showing that 'real' people can grow tired of their rulers and that old ideas become stale."

"Péter Magyar, the opposition leader, won more than two-thirds of the vote, giving him a constitutional majority after overcoming significant obstacles not usually present in European democracies."

"Orbán's regime controlled much of the judiciary, bureaucracy, and universities, and he built an extraordinary web of international illiberal supporters, demonstrating the challenges faced by the opposition."

Viktor Orbán's defeat required the formation of a diverse grassroots movement, ending the belief that illiberal parties are destined to remain in power. Péter Magyar, the opposition leader, secured over two-thirds of the vote, achieving a constitutional majority despite significant obstacles. Orbán's regime had controlled various state institutions and garnered international support from far-right leaders. The outcome demonstrates that public sentiment can shift, and younger generations are questioning established norms, indicating that even entrenched leaders can be challenged and defeated.

Read at The Atlantic