Orbán Sets a Trap for the Future Prime Minister — Politico
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has established a complex system of legal and political obstacles that will significantly limit the ability of any new head of government to act.
This is reported by Politico.
Even if opposition leader Péter Magyar wins this month’s election, he will face an institutional blockade from the current government’s allies.
Over sixteen years in continuous office, Orbán has “secured tight control over critical state institutions.”
This creates a situation in which officials loyal to the Fidesz party can veto budget initiatives and overturn new laws through the Constitutional Court, which they control.
Fundamental areas of public life, including the judicial system, the media, electoral legislation, and public finances, are regulated by so-called “cardinal laws.”
Any changes in these areas are possible only if Péter Mádor and his Tisa party secure a two-thirds constitutional majority.
“Orbán’s government and the ruling Fidesz party are betting that Tisza—a young party that enjoys support across the political spectrum—will fail due to a lack of experience and will be unable to govern,” note analysts at Politico.
A deep budget deficit will be a critical problem for the future government.
By February 2026, the current administration had already exhausted 50% of the annual deficit limit, directing colossal funds toward pre-election subsidies to buy voter loyalty.
An additional tool for exerting pressure is the Budget Council, which includes three Fidesz supporters appointed for terms ranging from six to twelve years.
They have the right to veto the country’s main financial document, which could trigger a political crisis.
Hungarian President Tamás Szujók, whose term runs until 2029, has the authority to call early elections if the budget is not approved.
Since the president or members of the Budget Council can only be removed by a two-thirds majority vote, Magyar will find himself in a bind.
As a reminder, Vens will visit Budapest ahead of the Hungarian elections amid support for Orbán.
Orbán also issued a sharp demand to Ukraine.
