Hungary has been recently placed under international spotlight for its troubling trend of democratic decline under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the Fidesz party. One of the most recent and concerning trends in the loss of democratic ideals is the government’s attack on academic freedom, as evidenced by its targeting of the prominent Central European University. The CEU was founded in 1991 by George Soros and has served as a light of academic achievement as well as a symbol of Hungary’s devotion to democracy and liberal principles. However, since Orbán’s ascension to power, the institution has experienced relentless attacks aimed at limiting its independence and eventually compelling it to leave Hungary. The attack began in 2017 when the Hungarian government approved laws aimed explicitly at foreign- funded universities, a move interpreted as targeting CEU due to its connection to Soros, whom Orbán has constantly criticized. The bill put harsh conditions on international universities, preventing CEU from operating in Hungary.  

Despite facing significant local and international criticism, Orbán’s administration persisted in its efforts to undermine CEU’s autonomy. Consequently, CEU was forced to announce its plans to relocate most of its operations to Vienna, dealing a blow to Hungary’s reputation as a hub for academic freedom and intellectual exchange. This attack on CEU is not an isolated incident but rather emblematic of a broader pattern of democratic regression in Hungary. Orbán’s government has consistently worked to consolidate its power by weakening democratic institutions and silencing dissenting voices, exemplified by its assault on academic freedom at CEU. This erosion of democratic values, illustrated by the targeting of CEU, underscores the precarious nature of democracy and the urgent need to safeguard liberal principles in the face of authoritarian encroachment. As Hungary navigates this critical juncture, the international community must remain vigilant in condemning democratic backsliding and stand in solidarity with those fighting to uphold freedom and democracy in Hungary and beyond. 

Under Orbán’s leadership, Hungary has witnessed a troubling decline in democratic standards and institutions, alongside a targeted assault on academic freedom. Since coming to power in 2010, Orbán’s Fidesz party has implemented policies that have raised both internal and international concerns about the state of democracy in the country. Orbán’s strategy has involved centralizing power and undermining checks and balances, particularly evident in his efforts to weaken judicial independence by appointing loyalists to the courts and passing legislation that curtails judicial oversight. This has led to a perception of politicization within the judiciary and a loss of its effectiveness as a check on governmental authority. Additionally, Orbán’s administration has targeted independent media outlets and civil society, subjecting them to harassment, intimidation, and restrictive laws. The government’s nationalist agenda, characterized by anti-immigrant measures and divisive rhetoric, has further exacerbated tensions within Hungarian society.  

The international community, including the European Union, has expressed deep concerns about Hungary’s democratic decline, with the European Parliament initiating Article 7 proceedings against the country for alleged violations of democratic values. Despite this, Orbán has dismissed such criticism as interference in Hungary’s domestic affairs, doubling down on his authoritarian tendencies. Despite opposition from within Hungary, including protests advocating for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, the erosion of democratic principles persists. The targeting of academic freedom, exemplified by the attacks on institutions like CEU, underscores the urgency of addressing Hungary’s broader democratic backsliding. 

Hungary’s continued democratic degradation, as seen by the attack on academic freedom and other troubling developments under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s leadership, poses a severe threat to the country’s future as a free and democratic society. It also raises larger concerns about the condition of democracy in Europe and the international community’s ability to properly handle authoritarian threats inside its own borders.