Orbán's Intensifying Attacks

With elections approaching, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is employing increasingly aggressive tactics against his political opponents. His ruling Fidesz-KDNP coalition has historically used fabricated enemies to garner support, previously targeting 'foreign entities,' George Soros, and independent media. However, the emergence of Péter Márki-Zay, a former ally, as a serious contender, has rendered these strategies less effective.

The Rise of Márki-Zay

Márki-Zay's significant gains in public support pose a substantial threat to Orbán. Unlike previous targets, Márki-Zay's close ties to Fidesz make traditional smear campaigns difficult.

Shifting Strategies

Despite the ineffectiveness of previous tactics, Fidesz's propaganda machine has attempted to label Márki-Zay and others as conspirators against Hungarian democracy. These campaigns, amplified through government-controlled media, paint Márki-Zay as a puppet of foreign powers. Orbán has even resorted to name-calling and threats to dismantle his critics' financial networks.

EU Concerns

The EU's previous inaction on the issue is highlighted as potentially perilous. The article suggests that the EU's continued support for Hungary may enable Orbán's authoritarian consolidation of power. The withholding of EU funds is mentioned as a potential tool to influence the upcoming elections and ensure they are held freely.

Conclusion

The article concludes that the coming year will be critical for Hungary and the broader European project. It stresses the need for decisive intervention from the EU and the international community to counter Orbán's actions, protect democratic processes, and safeguard the integrity of Hungarian elections.