Democracy and corruption concerns fuel European far-right unrest over Hungarian reforms

Across Europe, politicians allied to Prime Minister Orbán Viktor are expressing deep concern over recent developments in Hungary that they fear threaten democratic stability. The conclusion of Sulyok Tamás's presidential mandate combined with a corruption investigation targeting servers linked to the ruling Fidesz party have sparked protests among these factions, who see these moves as efforts to dismantle Orbán's political legacy.

Specifically, the search conducted by prosecutors at the data center housing Fidesz’s servers is viewed by Orbán's supporters as politically motivated and a direct attack on the party. These events have intensified fears among far-right groups affiliated with the European Patriots faction, which considers Hungary’s democracy to be deteriorating under the leadership of newly empowered politicians.

Contrary to the fears voiced by Orbán's allies, the European Commission currently endorses the reforms introduced by Hungary’s new government focused on strengthening the rule of law and dismantling structures linked to the previous administration. The Commission regards these efforts as positive steps toward ensuring transparency and combating corruption, marking a departure from the Orbán era’s political modus operandi.