How Ukraine Is Upending European Politics
AtlanticOct 19, 2021
The Facts
Incumbent prime minister of Hungary, Victor Orban, won a super-majority in Sunday's parliamentary elections. This will be his fourth consecutive term in office and fifth term overall.
According to the National Election Office, Orban's Fidesz party won a two-thirds parliament majority (135 seat) with results showing almost 99% of the votes counted. The opposition alliance has 56 seats and Our Homeland, a far-right party, has 7 seats.
The Spin
Narrative A
The re-election of Hungary's authoritarian leader, who is pioneering a form of illiberal democracy, comes at the worst possible time for Europe. Orban is pro-Putin and pro-Russia, and even went so far as to condemn Ukrainian president Zelenskyy for not supporting him during his victory speech. He is being celebrated by authoritarian-minded people around the world.
Narrative B
This election was about Hungary - not Russia, Ukraine, or Europe. Orban's clear victory will send a strong message to the European Commission; he stood up for Hungary's independence and freedom, as well as its peace and security. In the referendum, the voters rejected foreign meddling by Brussels, Washington and the international left, and stood up to protect the Hungarian youth and families.