Hungary
December 9, 2019
Hungary’s politics have succumbed to elements of populism, as Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has granted himself near-dictatorial control over the country’s institutions. Since assuming office in 2010, the country has seen its democracy ticker on Freedom House regress from free to only partially free.
“Being geographically where Hungary is, and with a lot of people crossing from Hungary into other European countries, Hungary is really at the forefront of this influx of people fleeing for their lives,” — Sana Shafqat
This is largely due to the increased aggression from police towards journalists and the press. The largest newspaper in the country, Népszabadság, which had reported on the multitude of scandals surrounding Orbán’s premiership, was suspended from further publication. It was later revealed that the publication’s parent company had been sold to a cooperation linked to those close to the office of the President.
For de Taurines, the most threatening part of populism is the publishing of wrong information.
“For a whole democracy, one of the main points you want to achieve is to negate all forms disinformation. Make sure that 100% truths are being put out to the people,” he said.
Social Studies Teacher Sana Shafqat also said that Orbán has refused to admit many immigrants from the middle-east and North Africa, resulting in an anti-immigrant sentiment.
“Being geographically where Hungary is, and with a lot of people crossing from Hungary into other European countries, Hungary is really at the forefront of this influx of people fleeing for their lives,” she said.