The shift towards illiberal democracy in Hungary under Viktor Orbán has been the subject of much scholarly debate. Some scholars argue that the roots of illiberalism in Hungary can be traced back to the country’s history of communism and authoritarianism, which has left a lasting legacy on the country’s political culture (Mudde, 2018; Börzel & Risse, 2018). Others point to weaknesses in the European Union’s response to Orbán’s illiberal turn, which has emboldened him to push further towards authoritarianism (Scheppele, 2019; Inotai, 2017).

Moreover, some scholars argue that domestic political factors, such as the lack of meaningful party competition and the weakness of civil society, have created an environment in which illiberal democracy can flourish (Farkas, 2019; Körösényi & Tóth, 2018). These factors have allowed Orbán to consolidate power and limit the ability of opposition parties and civil society to challenge his authority.

However, others argue that the illiberal turn in Hungary can be attributed more directly to Orbán himself and his personal beliefs and ambitions (Scheppele, 2019; Mudde, 2018). Orbán’s populist rhetoric, anti-immigrant stance, and nationalist agenda have appealed to a significant portion of the Hungarian population, and he has used this popularity to justify policies that undermine democratic institutions and individual freedoms.

Overall, the literature suggests that the shift towards illiberal democracy in Hungary is the result of a complex interplay of historical, political, and ideological factors. While some of these factors may predate Orbán’s rise to power in 2010, his leadership and personal beliefs have been instrumental in deepening the rejection of liberal democracy within Fidesz and in Hungarian politics more broadly.