In this episode of Democracy in Question, host Shalini Randeria speaks with political scientist Zsolt Enyedi about the landmark 2026 Hungarian elections, which ended Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule. The conversation explores how a deeply entrenched “soft authoritarian” system, characterized by media capture, institutional control, and an uneven electoral playing field, was ultimately overturned through democratic means. Despite Orbán’s dominance over state resources, the opposition party Tisza, led by former insider Péter Magyar, secured a two-thirds parliamentary majority. Enyedi argues that the regime’s fall was driven by a combination of economic stagnation, political fatigue, moral scandals, and the unification of a previously fragmented opposition. Crucially, Hungary’s position within the European Union limited the regime’s ability to escalate into full autocracy, preserving enough democratic space for electoral change. Finally, the discussion turns to the broader implications for Europe and beyond. Orbán had long served as a model for illiberal, right-wing populist movements. His defeat raises questions about the durability of such regimes, and whether Hungary could become a case study not just in democratic backsliding, but in democratic recovery.

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