Thousands of protesters gathered near the Hungarian parliament in Budapest on March 26, calling for the resignation of Chief Prosecutor and Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The protests were sparked by a leaked tape by a former government insider, Peter Magyar, implicating government officials in covering up corruption. This comes on the heels of a scandal in February where then-President Katalin Novak pardoned a man involved in covering up child sex abuse cases, leading to the resignation of Novak and Justice Minister Judit Varga. Magyar’s release of the tape has shed light on tampering with court records by government officials to hide corrupt business dealings.
The leaked tape has raised concerns about the independence and freedom of the Hungarian justice system. Opposition member of the European Parliament, Katalin Cseh, stated that this evidence shows a lack of freedom and independence in the justice system in Hungary and is one of the first instances of someone from Orban’s inner circle speaking out. Orban’s government spokesperson dismissed the accusations and accused Magyar of harassing his ex-spouse. Orban, who has been in power since 2010, has faced criticism for democratic backsliding, anti-immigration and anti-EU rhetoric, and cozy relations with authoritarian regimes like Russia and China. Despite the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Orban has maintained warm ties with Moscow and obstructed aid for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s refusal to support Ukraine’s bid to start EU accession talks last month sparked controversy. Orban argued that Ukraine was not ready for EU accession talks, but ultimately, the other 26 EU member states ignored his protestations and agreed to start the talks with Ukraine. Orban’s stance on Ukraine has drawn criticism from various quarters, with many viewing his position as detrimental to the EU’s efforts to support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. Orban’s actions have also raised concerns about his commitment to democratic values and support for authoritarian regimes.
The ongoing protests in Hungary reflect growing discontent with Orban’s leadership and his government’s handling of corruption and justice issues. The leak of the tape implicating government officials in corrupt activities has further eroded public trust in the government’s integrity. With key figures like Novak and Varga resigning in the wake of previous scandals, the pressure on Orban to address corruption and ensure transparency in governance is mounting. The protests near the Hungarian parliament demonstrate a desire among the people for accountability and change in leadership.
The situation in Hungary highlights broader concerns about the state of democracy in Europe, with Orban’s government seen as a prime example of democratic erosion. The backsliding of democratic norms and the curtailing of press freedom and judicial independence have raised alarms among international observers. The protests and calls for accountability in Hungary are part of a larger trend of citizen-led movements pushing back against authoritarian tendencies and demanding greater transparency and adherence to democratic principles. The outcome of the protests and the government’s response will be closely watched as a test of Hungary’s commitment to upholding democratic values and the rule of law.
