The dismantling of democracy in Hungary

Supported by a supermajority in parliament and three landslide elections, in 2010, 2014 and 2018 the government of the Fidesz party, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has severely undermined the system of checks and balances, eliminated political and professional autonomy of most of the state institutions and allowed the capture of the state by influential groups – oligarchs and political players.

In October 2019, after years of paralysis and disarray of the Hungarian opposition, they obtained a surprise victory at the municipal elections, announcing changes that are still too early to predict.

Hungarian performance towards the SDGs is relatively good in the indicators of poverty and decent work, thanks to economic growth. However, significant challenges remain, in relation with the quality of education and of health services.

Simultaneously, the low energy efficiency of housing and polluting residential heating methods make air quality worse. Greenhouse gas emissions from transport have increased strongly over the last five years and emissions are projected to continue increasing under current policies. Water quality and supply remain concerns.

Hungary is only at an early stage of moving towards a circular economy and institutional issues impede more effective implementation of environmental laws and policies.

By Matyas Benyik; Social Watch Hungary (ATTAC Hungary Association, Karl Marx Society, Hungary - Mr. Péter Farkas, Chairman and Organizers for the Left (SZAB)- Mr. György Droppa- member of SZAB).

Read this national chapter here.

Source: Report Spotlight on Sustainable Development 2020.