We have a word in Hungarian, “úgysem”, that indicates futility. We use it when we want to say something is unnecessary because it won’t change anything. Until recently, úgysem has described the attitude of my country well. Hungary has a reputation for being one of the most pessimistic nations in Europe.
Despite the beautiful nature and ornate historical buildings, we Hungarians walk with our gloomy gazes fixed on the ground in bleak misanthropy — and with a hint of embarrassment. Our disposition is a lasting side effect of 40 years of communist rule that was made worse by Orbán’s illiberal regime that hearkened back to that dark period.
But the Hungarian election on April 12 that ousted the illiberal Orbán regime achieved a miracle: Today, when I walk through the streets of Budapest, I see smiling faces.
After 16 years democratic values have returned to Hungary. Global leaders must find opportunities in this upsurge of hope and can-do attitude in Hungary to strengthen alliances for a freer world.
The celebration has been monumental. On election night, when it became clear the opposition party, Tisza would win a constitutional majority, thousands of people flooded the streets of Budapest to party..
Some sang songs; some played the music — from StarWars when the Empire falls. People were high-fiving on the escalators. Complete strangers were starting conversations with each other, proclaiming proudly, “We did it!”
This elation and optimism is a stark reversal. Hungary finally feels free from the culture of fear defining the long years under Orbán.
Under Orban, Hungarians dared not discuss politics — many dared not even like social media content critical of Orbán. There was a fear that people, who raise their voices against the illiberal regime might be forced to leave their jobs. It happened enough to make the threat credible. Orbán also had the propaganda media to attack anyone, even students, and volunteers, spreading misinformation about them and even going as far as publishing a blacklist of people portrayed as working against the government. You don’t have to punish everyone who criticizes the government in order to chill speech, just enough to scare the others. This was Orban’s tactic, and for a long time it worked.
But you can’t threaten people into silence forever.
One of Tisza’s slogans was “Don’t be afraid.” It was a signal to oppressed Hungarians, who responded albeit slowly to became a powerful majority capable of toppling the regime. Now people who were embarrassed of their political opinion and embarrassed of being Hungarian, are happily and proudly discussing the political success of Tisza.
The hard times are not over. The new government will have a hard task repairing Hungary and setting it back in the growth potential it diverged from. The economy is struggling and is strewn with Fidesz cronies, the democratic institution and rule of law need rebuilding, and Hungary’s place in the world must be redefined. But these are challenges that my countrymen are eager to address.
You hear the sentiment everywhere from young people in the streets and on the news: “Finally, I don’t have to be embarrassed of being Hungarian.”
Under Orbán, Hungary antagonized its closest partners, and even alienated Poland, a country which historically has been the closest friend of Hungary. In the meantime Hungary gradually became a Russian puppet.
The U.S. should take note. Hungary has been a model for the MAGA movement. Donald Trump endorsed Orbán. He even sent JD Vance to Budapest last month in a desperate attempt to save his ally.
The spectacular fall of illiberalism in Hungary should reverberate in Washington. The United States is also alienating its international allies through Trump's constant barrages against NATO, European countries and through the president's efforts to annex Greenland. Trump’s rants against the media, and opposition politicians are reminiscent of Orbán.
Hungary can serve as a warning about what happens when the personal ambitions of politicians run far and away from the interest of people.
Yet, the end of illiberalism is a great opportunity for the US. The good relations between Washington and Budapest are expected to hold despite the change of government, and Trump pivoted from his support of Orbán by calling Péter Magyar, the next Hungarian prime minister ‘a good man.’ Hungary’s new found can-do attitude gives the country a chance to reestablish its international relations. Partner countries, such as the United States should welcome this attitude, and put aside previous party alliances to form stronger bonds between countries, rather than just politicians.
The Hungarian example is a valuable lesson for the US. Illiberal tendencies do not make countries strong, but they alienate allies. Yet it is also an opportunity for the US to tighten relationships with Hungary, make mutually beneficial economic deals, and thus reinstate the previously excellent relationship with Europe.
Máté Hajba is the director of the Free Market Foundation, a Hungarian think tank which advocates economic freedom, civil rights and tolerance. He is also the author and co-author of several books. Máté regularly writes about economic issues and human rights for media outlets around the world.
