European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pointed to Hungary as an example of how democratic backsliding can be reversed, saying the country has returned to the “heart of the European Union” following its April election.
A positive example
Speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday, 16 September, during her annual State of the Union address, von der Leyen focused on threats to European democracy, including disinformation, foreign interference and the rise of what she described as “anti-democratic, anti-European forces”. She argued, however, that such developments are not irreversible, highlighting Hungary as an example of political change restoring democratic institutions and strengthening ties with the EU.
Hungary as a democratic turning point
Von der Leyen referred specifically to Hungary’s 12 April parliamentary election, in which Péter Magyar’s Tisza Party defeated Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz after 16 years of Orbán-led government. “The Hungarian people took their future into their own hands. They chose democracy. They chose Europe. They brought Hungary back to where it belongs, to the heart of the European Union,” she said.
The Commission president presented the election as evidence that what she described as years of democratic and rule-of-law deterioration can be reversed. She also argued that progress is being made in areas including the fight against corruption and state capture, fundamental rights and academic freedom.
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Billions of euros potentially unlocked
Von der Leyen linked Hungary’s political change to economic consequences, saying it had opened the way for billions of euros in investment. The European Policy Centre reported in May that von der Leyen and Prime Minister Péter Magyar had reached an agreement to unlock EUR 16.4 billion in previously blocked EU funds connected to rule-of-law concerns.
According to Index, von der Leyen nevertheless stressed that substantial work remains. Her message was that strengthening democratic safeguards, the rule of law and anti-corruption measures can produce tangible results.
Europe under pressure
The Hungarian example formed part of a broader assessment of the challenges facing the EU. Von der Leyen described Europe as both stronger and more vulnerable than before. She pointed to efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy, strengthen European defence and maintain the EU’s position as a major global trading power. At the same time, she warned of external threats, including Russia’s war against Ukraine, hybrid attacks, disinformation and growing geopolitical competition.
Domestic pressures, including rising living and housing costs and rapid technological change, were also highlighted as factors affecting European societies and democratic systems. Von der Leyen also warned that political forces opposed to the European project are gaining strength within the EU.
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A test of democratic resilience
The Commission president praised the EU’s efforts to protect democracy and the rule of law, including mechanisms designed to identify democratic deterioration in member states. Her central argument was that democratic decline should not be considered permanent.
Hungary, in her interpretation, demonstrates how voters can change a country’s political direction through an election. The longer-term impact of Hungary’s political transition will depend on how the new government implements institutional, rule-of-law and anti-corruption reforms.
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Given that the EU, along with England and The U.S., are currently the least ‘democratic’ political systems in the Western world, I find myself at odds with how to take the given accolades.
Stay well away from that witch.
You can thank me later.