I’m sure you’ve forgotten more about Hungarian politics than I’ll ever know, Dr. J, but from the outside I’m not seeing the case.
Magyar’s critique that Orbán has admitted too many guest workers seems relevant. If nationalism is the standard, that’s a straightforward point against Orbán’s record, no?
I’ve seen reports that Magyar is reopening some LGBT-related funding, which I don’t love. But Orbán’s alignment with Israel/Zionism is a bigger concern for me than LGBT-related funding. What am I missing?
He did send Richard Spencer to jail, though. I'll give Orbán that :)
Very well summarized. The main issue most Western observers face is that they impose conditions and political differences from their own countries onto Central and Eastern Europe.
However, the region continues to be heavily influenced by geography, history, and structural factors. In other words, immigration is rejected by the majority everywhere, regardless of political party.
In this case, the contrast is especially clear, as Orbán’s rhetoric and actions do not match. Magyar will likely adopt a stricter stance and disappoint Brussels because a policy of open borders doesn’t have majority support.
That’s why the whole story about the “downfall of Hungary” is simply absurd. The structural constraints are of a completely different nature.
I’m sure you’ve forgotten more about Hungarian politics than I’ll ever know, Dr. J, but from the outside I’m not seeing the case.
Magyar’s critique that Orbán has admitted too many guest workers seems relevant. If nationalism is the standard, that’s a straightforward point against Orbán’s record, no?
I’ve seen reports that Magyar is reopening some LGBT-related funding, which I don’t love. But Orbán’s alignment with Israel/Zionism is a bigger concern for me than LGBT-related funding. What am I missing?
He did send Richard Spencer to jail, though. I'll give Orbán that :)
Here's to hoping.
In failing to re-elect Viktor Orban, Hungarians just sacrificed their heritage to muslims and the tyranny of the EU.
They should have appreciated their savior's willingness to continue isolating them from Europe's impending suicide.
Very well summarized. The main issue most Western observers face is that they impose conditions and political differences from their own countries onto Central and Eastern Europe.
However, the region continues to be heavily influenced by geography, history, and structural factors. In other words, immigration is rejected by the majority everywhere, regardless of political party.
In this case, the contrast is especially clear, as Orbán’s rhetoric and actions do not match. Magyar will likely adopt a stricter stance and disappoint Brussels because a policy of open borders doesn’t have majority support.
That’s why the whole story about the “downfall of Hungary” is simply absurd. The structural constraints are of a completely different nature.