Is Freedom Dying in Hungary Under Orban’s Rule?
American conservatives who once admired Hungary's sovereignty are now concerned as the new government under Peter Magyar implements sweeping changes that critics say threaten democratic norms.
The recent political developments in Hungary have sparked growing concern among American conservatives who once looked to the central European nation as a model of sovereignty and principled governance.
For years, Hungary under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban served as an inspiration to conservatives worldwide, demonstrating that a nation could successfully defend its borders, preserve its sovereignty, and resist ideological pressure from anti-freedom forces, according to Rep. Abe Hamadeh writing in Washington Examiner. Hamadeh witnessed that spirit firsthand when he spoke at CPAC Hungary in 2025.
However, the congressman now warns that Americans are watching Hungary with growing concern as the political landscape undergoes dramatic changes under the new government.
The strength of a healthy democracy, Hamadeh argues, is not measured by who wins elections but by whether those in power respect the rights of those who lose them. That principle makes recent developments in Hungary worthy of attention from anyone who values democratic institutions, regardless of political affiliation.
Sweeping Political Changes Raise Questions
Since Prime Minister Peter Magyar took office, his government has taken extraordinary steps to reshape Hungary’s political landscape. Officials connected to the previous government have been removed from office, major constitutional changes have been enacted, and political opponents now face investigations and legal actions that many observers believe could prevent them from fully participating in future elections.
While every government has a responsibility to investigate credible allegations of wrongdoing, and no one should be above the law, the rule of law must never become a tool to eliminate political opposition, the Arizona congressman warns.
Lessons from America’s Own Political Divisions
Because America has experienced its own fierce political divisions in recent years, this lesson carries even greater weight. Elections should determine who governs, Hamadeh writes. Governments should not determine who is allowed to compete in the next election.
The congressman invites Americans to imagine the outrage if a future American administration removed political opponents from office or barred them from seeking elected office. Americans of every political persuasion would rightly question whether democracy itself was being undermined.
An Important Ally Under Scrutiny
Hungary has long been an important ally of the United States and a steadfast member of NATO. Millions of Americans have admired Hungary’s commitment to national sovereignty and its willingness to chart an independent course despite intense international pressure.
That admiration is precisely why so many Americans are paying close attention today, Hamadeh notes.
The strength of any democracy is demonstrated not by how it treats its allies, but by how it treats its opposition. Political rivals should be defeated at the ballot box, not forcefully removed from the playing field.
A Message from a Friend
While the Hungarian people alone will determine their nation’s future, friends have a responsibility to speak honestly when they see troubling developments, the congressman contends.
America supported Hungary’s march toward freedom, and hopes that journey continues. The world is watching, and history will judge whether this moment strengthened Hungarian democracy or weakened it.
Congressman Abe Hamadeh represents Arizona’s 8th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives.
With information from Washington Examiner
