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political opposition has been stymied, the reality is that it is also fractured, weak and not trusted. Many Hungar- ians see few other options.
One of the most striking characteris- tics of Orban's rule is how it has been propped up by the European Union (EU). Hungary may be described as a threat to the union's rules and norms, but it is also one of the top recipients
of its structural and investment funds. While the Prime Minister gets domestic praise for the country's improving econ- omy, it wouldn't be possible without EU
So what happens now? Orban has called 2018 a “year of great battles”. Those inside Hungary who seek to hold their government to account will be worried. A pro-government newspaper recently published a list of what they called George Soros paid "mercenaries", made up of names from human rights and anti- corruption organisations. The govern- ment also plans to pass a new law next month, which would target NGOs with new taxes. Hungary's future looks bleak.
As for the EU, this should be a warning. Brussels lacks smart, effective mecha-
“Orban has built a system of centralised power that frustrates criticism and narrows dissent”
money. Brussels has essentially been subsidising Orban's kleptocracy.
Worse still is the behaviour of certain EU politicians. The European People's Party, an alliance in the European Parliament, which Fidesz belongs to,
is a main offender. It has given politi- cal cover to Orban's rule, shielding him from wider EU criticism. Why? Fidesz plays a key role in the alliance main- taining its majority in the parliament. Other politicians – from Germany to Austria – have also courted Orban, supporting his views on immigration and identity. Whether this is cynical domestic politicking or a true reflec- tion of a moral vacuum at the heart of Europe, it undermines the opportunity for a broad EU response to Hungary's transgressions.
nisms to monitor its funds and put pressure on dissenting members. While ways to manage similar challenges will need to be found – the new EU budget may address this – a substantial dose of self-reflection is needed for those EU elites who have flirted with Orban and his politics. This kind of moral decay
is just as dangerous to the future of Europe as any single member state.
Whatever happens, Orban has set a dan- gerous precedent. He has shown that an EU member can go after the rule of law, independent media and civil society and get away with it.
Lindsay Mackenzie is a writer and editor for CABLE, Scotland's online interna- tional affairs magazine.
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