Viktor Orbán's crushing defeat in last month's Hungarian election has sparked democratic optimism, but experts warn against overgeneralizing. Péter Magyar, who will be sworn in as prime minister on 9 May, won due to economic discontent and corruption allegations, not a rejection of far-right policies. His victory came from strategic campaigning in a disproportional electoral system, which may not translate to proportional systems.
Far Right Not in Decline
While Orbán's fall is symbolically significant, the European far right remains entrenched. Parties govern in Italy and Czechia, lead polls in Austria and France, and continue to normalize their ideas. The European People's Party collaborates with far-right factions in the European Parliament, adopting their skepticism on climate and immigration.
Trump's Dual Role
Donald Trump is currently a liability for European far-right parties due to his aggressive trade and NATO policies. However, his anti-establishment rhetoric boosts their appeal. Trump's presidency normalizes extreme discourse, making European far-right leaders like Giorgia Meloni appear moderate by comparison, aided by media and sexist assumptions.
Magyar's victory should be celebrated, but lessons must be drawn carefully to replicate such successes elsewhere.
