Orbán’s fifth government: full power overshadowed by crises
Orbán’s fifth government: full power overshadowed by crises

Author(s): Andrzej Sadecki
Subject(s): National Economy, Economic policy, Environmental and Energy policy, Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Political behavior, Fiscal Politics / Budgeting
Published by: OSW Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich im. Marka Karpia
Keywords: Viktor Orbán; Hungary; Hungary’s isolation; Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; power structures;
Summary/Abstract: Upon attaining a fourth consecutive election victory, Viktor Orbán’s new government is sticking to its usual methods of operation: the concentration of power, control of the narrative, and ‘unorthodox’ economic policies, such as additional taxation on large profits. The cabinet functions in comfortable intra-political conditions, holding full power and facing a defeated and divided opposition. However, it faces its biggest challenges in years with the deteriorating economic situation and the unstable international environment. The government has no clear reform aspirations and is rather promising to manage the crisis permanently, while looking after its business base and further tightening its grip on media coverage. In view of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it will be increasingly difficult for Budapest to benefit from balancing between East and West. In this area, it is likely to attempt a rapprochement with the Western states that are more accommodating towards Moscow, while at the same time looking for ways to maintain the relations with the US and its partners in Central Europe, albeit these are the frostiest they have been in decades. Orbán is trying to postpone a reorientation in foreign policy until the result of the Russian-Ukrainian war is known. Should the West return to dialogue with Russia, he is counting on the benefits of a developed cooperation with the Kremlin, especially in the energy sector and, should Russia enter into a situation of protracted isolation, Orbán will seek to ensure that any reduction in this cooperation will see Hungary amply compensated by its Western partners.

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