Budapest Forum 2024: Building Sustainable Democracies – PHOTO REPORT

The 2024 Budapest Forum, taking place on 18-19 September, brought together influential voices from across Europe and beyond to tackle the pressing issues facing democracies today. Organised by the Municipality of Budapest, Political Capital, and the CEU Democracy Institute, this year’s forum focused on “Building Sustainable Democracies” under the overarching theme of “The Year of Elections.” The event, now in its fourth year, has cemented itself as the ultimate platform for pro-democratic dialogue in Central Eastern Europe.

With Hungary currently holding the rotating presidency of the Council of Europe, the 2024 Budapest Forum, held at the CEU Nádor Event Centre, took on added significance. Key discussions revolved around the rule of law, democracy, media capture, the trajectory of European integration, and the implications of the upcoming 2024 elections. The event highlighted the critical role of these elections in shaping Europe’s future and beyond, as Hungary and other nations prepare for a pivotal year that will redefine their political landscapes.

Budapest Mayor’s speech at the 2024 Budapest Forum

Following the opening address, Budapest’s recently re-elected mayor, Gergely Karácsony took to the stage, delivering a powerful speech on the concept of democracy and its current challenges. Reflecting on the transition period around 1989, Karácsony noted how liberal democracy was once widely accepted in Eastern Europe, serving as the framework for political discourse. However, he highlighted that this consensus has since eroded, replaced by rising authoritarian populism fueled by frustration with the political and economic order.

Karácsony underscored that populism thrives on a narrative of division, offering simplistic, emotionally charged solutions that contrast with the more complex demands of liberal democracy. He called for a strategy of “radical love,” focusing on addressing citizens’ needs and bridging societal divides, rather than escalating polarisation. Drawing from his experience as a mayor, he advocated for practical actions, such as reducing material inequalities and improving everyday life, as key to restoring faith in democracy.

Ultimately, Karácsony urged the audience to remember the power of thoughts in shaping society, stressing that the future of democracy and the fight against populism depend on winning hearts and minds through respect, empathy, and real-world solutions that resonate with everyday people.

U.S. Ambassador David Pressman slams PM Orbán

After Karácsony’s speech, U.S. Ambassador to Hungary David Pressman was the next speaker at the Budapest Forum,  harshly criticising Hungary’s government for prioritising words over actions and intertwining harmful rhetoric with policy. He highlighted Hungary’s dualism, contrasting its commitments to NATO and the EU with its close ties to Russia and internal attacks on civil society and free media. Pressman emphasised that Hungary’s government uses propaganda and fear to stifle dissent, creating a democratic crisis. He warned that Hungary’s current trajectory risks damaging its relationships with allies and urged a reevaluation of how Hungary’s words and policies are perceived and addressed by its partners.

For more on David Pressman’s speech at the 2024 Budapest Forum refer to THIS article or watch the entire video HERE. 

Foreign policy outlook before the 2024 U.S. presidential elections

The first panel discussion, following David Pressman’s opening speech, was titled “Foreign Policy Outlook Before the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election.” Panelists began by reflecting on Ambassador Pressman’s remarks, particularly his advice to focus on government actions rather than words. Founding Partner and CEO of Red Snow Consulting and Publishing Mr Feledy highlighted different phases in Hungarian foreign policy, from early relations with Russia to recent escalations following the Ukraine invasion, emphasising Hungary’s growing openness to authoritarian influences. He criticized the prioritization of loyalty over institutional integrity, a sentiment echoed by the director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali Mrs Tocci, who stressed that speech itself is a form of action, especially in Hungary’s case, where rhetoric influences both domestic and international perceptions.

David Pressman noted that the U.S. took too long to address Hungary’s drift away from democratic norms, lamenting the lack of early, firm U.S. responses during Orbán’s rise. He expressed concerns about the inconsistency of U.S. foreign policy towards Hungary, particularly in light of potential changes after the 2024 election, and highlighted the implications of a possible Trump presidency for U.S.-Hungarian relations.

The panel then shifted to discussing how Europe could prepare for a second Trump presidency, emphasising that U.S. election outcomes significantly impact Europe. A Trump victory could further strain transatlantic relations and alter Europe’s strategic responses to global changes, highlighting the pivotal nature of U.S. leadership in shaping international dynamics.

A distinguished line-up of speakers

Final words

With more than 450 in-person participants and nearly 40,000 viewers online, the 2024 Budapest Forum demonstrated a strong public interest in these critical issues. Looking ahead, the organisers are eager to build on this year’s success. They plan to expand their network and continue the crucial work of shaping policy debates at both the local and international levels. As the 2024 Budapest Forum has shown, the road to building sustainable democracies is challenging, but with collective effort, the path forward is hopeful and promising.