Hungary
Hungary exhibits mid-range performance across all four categories of the Global State of Democracy Framework, although it has experienced significant declines in the Rule of Law between 2019-2024. During the same period, Hungary has seen a decline in Elected Government. It is amongst the top 25 per cent of countries with regards to Inclusive Suffrage, Electoral Participation, Personal Integrity and Security, and Freedom of Movement. A high-income and highly industrialized economy, Hungary still struggles with inflationary pressures and budgetary strains connected to its democratic performance.
Hungary’s history begins with the Magyar ethnic group, who arrived from southern Russia and the Black Sea in the 9th Century. Later falling under both the Ottoman Empire and Habsburg Monarchy, Hungary then joined the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1867 until its dissolution in the aftermath of the First World War. The 1920 Treaty of Trianon, which is weaponized in political discourse today, established Hungary’s new borders—leaving two-thirds of its territory outside of its control. An Axis power during the Second World War, Hungary fell under the Soviet sphere of influence until its proclamation of independence in 1989. Its post-communist transition to democracy brought a two-party system that collapsed at the time of the 2008 financial crisis. The disproportionality of Hungary’s electoral system has allowed electoral pluralities to translate into parliamentary supermajorities—particularly in the face of a hitherto fragmented opposition. This has facilitated sweeping constitutional and legislative changes, which have been condemned for weakening domestic institutions and civil society, diminishing the authority of the Constitutional Court, increasing government control over the media, and further tilting the electoral playing field. At the same time, Hungary’s cleavage structure has transformed from liberal-conservative nationalism into support for and opposition to the ruling party.
Migration is significantly politicized in Hungary. Since the 2015 crisis, asylum applications have been drastically reduced, following the construction of border fences and legal amendments—although Hungary has been found guilty of breaching European Union (EU) law in its processes. Its refusal to uphold the rights of asylum seekers has seen the EU impose fines on Hungary. A recent constitutional amendment allows authorities to suspend the citizenship of dual nationals for up to ten years. Political leaders have been accused of thinly veiled anti-Semitic rhetoric, and systemic discrimination against the Roma—Hungary’s largest minority group (followed by Germans, Slovaks, Romanians, and Ukrainians)—remains a key issue.
Gender Equality has fallen from high- to mid-performing in 2024, with Hungary failing to ratify the Istanbul Convention, tightening abortion laws, and maintaining low levels of women’s representation in decision-making. LGBTQIA+ rights are being increasingly restricted: a recent constitutional amendment defines gender as binary and bans Pride and other community events, supplementing previous legislation that prohibits minors from receiving LGBTQIA+ information.
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen whether conditionality mechanisms can turn around democratic performance, as the EU denies €1 billion of funds to Hungary over rule of law breaches. Whilst sustained external pressure may help to bring positive changes, the rise of internal opposition supplements prospects. Ahead of expectedly consequential upcoming elections, Free Political Parties, Civil Society, and Freedom of Association and Assembly are factors to watch, as signs of further crackdown are already visible. In the aftermath, performance in Credible Elections and Elected Government should be monitored.
Last updated: June 2025
https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/
April 2025
Parliament passes constitutional amendment restricting LGBTQIA+ rights and assembly
On 14 April, the Hungarian Parliament adopted the fifteenth constitutional amendment to the Fundamental Law, proposed by the ruling Fidesz party. It constitutionalizes the March 2025 law banning Pride and similar LGBTQIA+ events—further restricting freedom of assembly—and other matters. It also defines gender as binary and based on sex at birth, drawing strong criticism for erasing transgender identities and undermining LGBTQIA+ rights. Additionally, the amendment codifies the notion that children’s rights to proper physical, mental, and moral development take precedence over all other fundamental rights, except the right to life. Among other unrelated changes, the amendment also permits the suspension of Hungarian citizenship for up to ten years for dual nationals from non-European Economic Area countries if deemed a threat to public order, security, or national interests. The amendment was met with protests before and after the vote. President Tamás Sulyok promulgated the amendment the same day.
Sources: Hungarian Official Gazette, Magyar Helsinki Bizottsag, Euronews, Human Rights Watch, Council of Europe, International IDEA
March 2025
New legislation bans Pride and similar LGBTQIA+ events
On 18 March, the Parliament passed a bill proposed by the ruling Fidesz party, which bans Pride events and similar LGBTQIA+ gatherings and imposes fines of up to EUR 500 for publicly supporting LGBTQIA+ events and rights. It also authorizes the use of facial recognition technology to identify participants. The legislation, which was passed through a fast-tracked process, was later signed into law by President Tamás Sulyok. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party justified the measure as a means to protect children's rights, referencing a section of the Child Protection Act in the amendment. During the vote, opposition MPs staged a protest in Parliament using colorful smoke bombs. Since then, thousands have protested against the law, while Pride organizers have vowed to go ahead with the planned parade on 28 June.
Sources: Human Rights Watch, British Broadcasting Company, Telex, Euractiv
February 2024
Child abuse pardoning decision triggers public outcry and resignations
A news site revelation that President Katalin Novák pardoned a man convicted of covering up sexual abuse in a children’s home (in a decision countersigned by Justice Minister Judit Varga) unleashed unprecedented political pressure on the ruling elite, known for its traditional family-oriented politics. The scandal triggered concerns regarding the transparency and ethical considerations involved in pardon decisions and their potential impact on depriving victims of due justice. Investigative journalists reported that Zoltán Balog, the leader of the Hungarian Reformed Church, advisor and mentor to President Novák, and former Fidesz MP and minister in Orbán’s government, influenced this presidential pardon. Following pressure from the opposition and public outcry (including widespread protests), Novák and Varga resigned on 10 February. Novák made history as the country's first female president, while Varga was among the two women in Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's male-dominated cabinet. On 26 February, the parliament elected the ruling coalition Fidesz-KNDP's candidate Tamás Sulyok, former chief of the Constitutional Court, as the new president.
Sources: 444.hu, Index, Reuters (1), Reuters (2), Daily News Hungary, BBC, Balkan Insight, Hungarian Government, Associated Press, VSquare
December 2023
Parliament passes ‘sovereignty law’
On 12 December, the parliament passed a law to protect “national sovereignty,” targeting what the ruling Fidesz party views as unwarranted foreign political interference, particularly through funding to political parties during the electoral campaigns. The legislation, passed with 141 votes in favour and 50 against, establishes the Sovereignty Protection Office, equipped with extensive investigative powers. This office can scrutinize NGOs and individuals engaged in public discourse, initiating investigations into those suspected of serving foreign interests. The Penal Code now states that those who are found to have accepted foreign funding while running for office may face up to three years in prison. The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights urged Fidesz to abandon the proposal, expressing concerns about potential misuse of sensitive data. Four major political groups voiced deep concerns about threats to the rule of law in a letter to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Critics, including rights groups, warned the law resembles Russia's foreign agent legislation, posing risks to freedom of expression and independent journalism.
Sources: Euronews, Index (1), Index (2), Reuters (1), Reuters (2), International Press Institute, S&D Group (X), Committee to Protect Journalists
Update: In October, the European Commission referred Hungary to the European Court of Justice over its ‘Defence of Sovereignty’ law, citing violations of privacy, free speech and assembly, and presumption of innocence. If found to be in breach of EU law, the country may face a fine. A ruling is expected in the coming years.
Sources: Euronews, Euractiv, Al Jazeera, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Transparency International
EU Commission unblocks EUR 10.2 billion in cohesion funds
The European Commission unblocked EUR 10.2 billion in cohesion funds for Hungary, nearly a year after freezing the funds due to the country's failure to address rule-of-law concerns. This decision enables the government to submit reimbursement requests for development projects. Didier Reynders, the European Commissioner for Justice, emphasized that improved judicial independence guarantees have been received, cautioning this is not the conclusion of the process and indicating ongoing vigilance for any potential setbacks. Approximately EUR 21 billion in funding for Hungary remains locked. Some observers said that the release of funds is part of negotiations with Hungary not to oppose accession negotiations with Ukraine and not to block funds and military aid to Ukraine. The European Commission maintains that its decision is a procedural response to Hungary's judicial reform. Amnesty International and the Hungarian Helsinki Committee argue that the reform inadequately addresses the concerns raised by Brussels, since the solutions violate rule of law by breaching relevant legislation, neglecting public consultations and civil society’s proposals.
Sources: European Commission, Euronews, Deutsche Welle, Politico, Balkan Insight, Hungarian Helsinki Committee, Magyar Hand
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Global ranking per category of democratic performance in 2023
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