Orban’s Government Betrays the Values of the 1956 Revolution and Exploits Trump’s Image

Mass protests in Hungary demonstrate that Viktor Orban is attempting to use his relationship with the U.S. President in domestic politics to showcase his influence and Washington’s support.

Recent protests in Hungary have been primarily driven by opposition to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s prolonged tenure and his government’s policies. On March 15, 2025, approximately 50,000 demonstrators gathered in Budapest, expressing their dissatisfaction with Orbán’s 15-year rule and advocating for democratic reforms. 

The protests have been notably supported by the Tisza Party, led by Péter Magyar, a former government insider who has become a prominent opposition figure. Magyar has been vocal about the need for media freedom and has criticized the government’s influence over state media. 

https://twitter.com/SzabadonMagyar/status/1900942880828453321

Additionally, the government’s recent proposal to ban the annual Budapest Pride march has sparked further unrest. The bill, introduced by the ruling Fidesz party, aims to prohibit the event and permit the use of facial recognition technology to identify participants, citing the protection of children as justification. This move has been perceived by many as an infringement on civil liberties and has galvanized both LGBTQ+ communities and their allies to protest. 

These demonstrations are part of a broader wave of protests across Eastern Europe, where citizens in countries like Romania and Serbia are rallying against pro-Russian leaders and advocating for stronger democratic principles. 

In response to the growing opposition, Prime Minister Orbán has criticized the European Union and pledged to reduce foreign influence in Hungary, framing his stance as a defense of national sovereignty. 

As of March 17, 2025, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán faces significant political challenges, including mass protests and opposition gains. However, the likelihood of his resignation remains low. Orbán’s Fidesz party maintains a strong parliamentary majority, and he has historically demonstrated resilience in the face of political crises. Despite recent scandals and public dissent, there is no clear indication that he intends to step down or that his party is considering his removal. 

While opposition figures like Péter Magyar have gained traction, the fragmented nature of Hungary’s opposition makes a unified challenge to Orbán’s leadership difficult. Additionally, Orbán’s control over key state institutions and media outlets further consolidates his position. 

In summary, despite ongoing protests and political scandals, the entrenched power structures and lack of a cohesive opposition suggest that Prime Minister Orbán’s resignation is unlikely in the immediate future.

There is evidence suggesting that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has not only endorsed former U.S. President Donald Trump but has also aligned some of his policies and strategies with those of Trump.

Political Alignment and Support:

• Endorsement: 
• Strategic Collaboration: Reports indicate that Orbán’s administration has engaged with U.S. conservative think tanks to exchange political strategies, particularly focusing on areas like immigration and national sovereignty. This collaboration underscores a shared ideological stance and mutual reinforcement of policies. 

Policy Parallels:

• Immigration: Both leaders have implemented stringent immigration policies. Orbán’s government constructed border fences to deter migrants, mirroring Trump’s emphasis on border security and building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
• Nationalism and Sovereignty: Both have promoted nationalist agendas, emphasizing national sovereignty over global or regional alliances. Orbán has criticized the European Union’s influence on Hungary, similar to Trump’s skepticism towards international institutions.

Rhetoric and Governance:

• Media and Opposition: Orbán has targeted foreign-funded media and organizations, accusing them of undermining Hungary’s sovereignty. This approach resembles Trump’s contentious relationship with media outlets and his allegations of bias. 

Viktor Orbán not only supports Donald Trump but also adopts similar policies and rhetoric in Hungary, reflecting a shared ideological framework.

Viktor Orbán’s policies and Hungary’s current political trajectory betray the ideals of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. The revolution was a popular uprising against Soviet oppression and totalitarian rule, demanding democracy, freedom of speech, and national sovereignty. However, several aspects of Orbán’s governance stand in stark contrast to these principles:

1. Erosion of Democracy and Rule of Law

• The 1956 Revolution sought to establish a democratic system free from external and internal authoritarian control.
• Orbán’s government has been accused of dismantling democratic institutions, weakening judicial independence, and consolidating power within his ruling party, Fidesz. The EU has repeatedly criticized Hungary for democratic backsliding.

2. Media and Political Oppression

• 1956 protesters fought for press freedom, opposing Soviet censorship.
• Under Orbán’s leadership, independent media outlets have been shut down, journalists face harassment, and state-controlled media dominate public discourse, spreading pro-government narratives.

3. National Sovereignty vs. Russian Ties

• The 1956 Revolution was largely about rejecting Soviet influence and foreign control.
• Despite this, Orbán has cultivated close ties with Vladimir Putin’s Russia, blocking EU sanctions and opposing Western military aid to Ukraine, leading many to see his policies as a betrayal of Hungary’s historic struggle for independence from Moscow.

4. Civil Liberties and Human Rights

• 1956 revolutionaries called for individual freedoms, political pluralism, and human rights protections.
• Orbán’s government has passed laws curbing academic freedom, and tightening control over NGOs, actions that contradict the revolution’s aspirations for freedom and human dignity.

While Orbán presents himself as a defender of Hungarian sovereignty, his consolidation of power, restrictions on freedoms, and alignment with authoritarian regimes go against the democratic and anti-totalitarian ideals of the 1956 Revolution. Many Hungarians, particularly those protesting today, see his rule as a betrayal of the values their ancestors fought and died for.

For Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to be forced into resignation, several key conditions would need to align. Currently, he maintains strong political control, but these factors could increase pressure on him: 1. Mass Protests Turning Into a Political Crisis.

• Large-scale, sustained protests could weaken Orbán’s authority, especially if they expand beyond Budapest and include diverse social groups.
• If protests turn violent or lead to a national crisis, it could prompt Fidesz elites to consider replacing him to preserve their political dominance.

 Likelihood: Moderate – Current protests are large but not yet at a critical level.

Mass and Sustained Public Protests

• Scale & Persistence: Protests would need to grow beyond opposition circles and gain widespread public participation, especially from Orbán’s traditional voter base.
• Economic Impact: Demonstrations affecting key economic sectors (e.g., strikes by workers, disruptions in public services) could create pressure on the government.
• Security Forces Defection: If police or military units refuse to suppress protests or side with demonstrators, Orbán’s position could weaken.

2. Major Electoral Defeat or Loss of Parliamentary Control

• Unified Opposition: Orbán’s Fidesz party remains dominant because the opposition is fragmented. A strong, united opposition coalition could challenge his grip.
• Collapse of Fidesz’s Majority: If Fidesz lawmakers defect or internal divisions weaken party unity, Orbán could be forced out.
• Local Elections as a Warning: If opposition forces win local elections in major cities (as seen in Budapest), it could signal growing public discontent.

3. Economic Crisis and Financial Pressure

• EU Funding Cuts: The EU has already withheld billions in funding due to Hungary’s democratic backsliding. A full-scale economic collapse due to loss of EU support could erode Orbán’s popularity.
• Inflation & Economic Decline: Rising costs of living, unemployment, and a deep recession could turn even Fidesz voters against him.

4. Loss of Support from Key Allies (Domestic & International)

• Business and Oligarch Backlash: Orbán has built a network of loyal oligarchs who benefit from state contracts. If they shift support to a rival candidate (as seen in other autocratic regimes), he could lose financial backing.
• International Isolation: If NATO or the EU impose stronger measures—such as full economic sanctions or political isolation—Hungary’s elite may reconsider his leadership.

5. Internal Party Rebellion

• Rising Dissatisfaction Within Fidesz: If younger or moderate members of Fidesz believe Orbán’s leadership is hurting their long-term prospects, they could pressure him to step down.
• Leadership Challenge: A powerful figure from within Fidesz (such as a former ally turned rival) could force a leadership contest.

6. A Major Political Scandal or Corruption Exposure

• Legal Action from the EU or Domestic Investigations: If corruption cases directly implicate Orbán or his close circle, it could damage his standing.
• Leaks or Revelations: Whistleblower evidence of significant abuse of power could trigger a political crisis.

A combination of economic decline, mass protests, political defections, and EU pressure could force Orbán to resign—or at least weaken his grip on power. However, given his control over media, law enforcement, and state institutions, he is likely to resist any attempts to remove him unless opposition forces find a way to mobilize the public and fracture his inner circle.

:  Orbán’s Resignation probability:

🔹 Short-term (2024-2025): Unlikely unless protests escalate into a major crisis.
🔹 Mid-term (2026-2028): Possible if economic hardship worsens or Fidesz elites turn on him.
🔹 Long-term (2028+): Likely only through elections if opposition unites and EU pressure intensifies.

For now, Orbán remains secure, but mounting internal and external pressures could gradually erode his power and increase the chances of his resignation in the coming years.