Illiberal demokrati i Ungern: En komparativ studie av Fidesz och Tisza

The following study examines how Viktor Orbán’s illiberal democracy has influenced political development and democratic competition in Hungary, as well as how the opposition party Tisza positions itself in relation to the political system established under Fidesz rule. The study is situated within the broader discussion on democratic backsliding and illiberal democracy in Central and Eastern Europe following the rise of populist and nationalist movements.

The theoretical framework is primarily based on Fareed Zakaria theory of illiberal democracy and Robert Dahl theory of democratic institutions and political competition. Using a qualitative comparative text analysis, the study examines Viktor Orbán’s annual assessment, Tiszas election manifesto and campaign rhetoric in connection with the 2026 Hungarian parliamentary election.

The analysis shows that Fidesz has contributed to increasing institutional asymmetry through media concentration, constitutional reforms and changes to electoral competition, while continuing to maintain democratic legitimacy through elections and appeals to popular sovereignty. At the same time, the study argues that Tisza positions itself as both a challenger to and a product of the illiberal political system established under Orbán. Although the party advocates stronger rule of law, institutional reforms and closer cooperation with the European Union, its political strategies also reflect adaptation to the political conditions and discursive structures shaped during Fidesz’s time in power.