The Strategic Failure of Hungary’s Illiberal Governance Model (legrandcontinent.eu)

• Hungary is the only EU member not classified as 'free' by Freedom House.
• Systemic cronyism via 'public interest foundations' has placed billions in assets beyond democratic accountability.
• The shift to a post-reality political environment includes state-sponsored use of AI-generated disinformation against opposition.

"Hungary’s 16-year experiment with illiberal governance under Viktor Orbán faces an existential electoral challenge. Analysis indicates that the Fidesz strategy—centralizing power by undermining the judiciary, controlling media, and creating a parallel state through public foundations—has resulted in structural economic failure rather than national strength. Despite receiving significant EU funds, Hungary suffers from entrenched cronyism, stagnant birth rates, and ideological isolation. The report argues that even if Orbán retains power, the model is already a functional failure, characterized by declining press freedom and the transformation of the market into a system of political favoritism."