By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The European Parliament, in a recent vote, strongly criticized Hungary, accusing it of becoming a “hybrid regime of electoral autocracy” due to numerous violations of European values. The report highlighted concerns regarding the Hungarian government’s crackdown on LGBTQI+ rights, restrictions on dissent, and threats to judicial independence. MEPs also denounced Budapest’s use of AI-generated content to deceive voters, alongside alleged spying activities within EU institutions. The Parliament urged the EU Council to take decisive action, as the situation in Hungary is worsening while Orbán is scheduled to meet with Putin.
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EU Parliament calls for sanctions against Orbán: This whole situation feels like it’s been brewing for ages, doesn’t it? The recent call from the EU Parliament for sanctions against Viktor Orbán, and the labeling of Hungary as an “electoral autocracy,” seems to be the culmination of a long-standing frustration. It’s hard to ignore the sentiment: “About damn time!” and the desire to “Kick ’em out.” There’s a palpable sense of anger, and a feeling that this has gone on for too long.
EU Parliament calls for sanctions against Orbán: The core of the issue, as I understand it, is that Orbán, and by extension Hungary under his leadership, is seen as having corrupted the electoral process. This corruption is then used to push a pro-Russia agenda, effectively turning the country away from its democratic principles. The phrase “electoral autocracy” succinctly captures the situation: a system that looks like a democracy on the surface, with elections, but where the playing field is so tilted, so manipulated, that the outcome is essentially predetermined.
EU Parliament calls for sanctions against Orbán: Now, let’s talk about the practical challenges. The comments highlight a significant obstacle: the EU’s decision-making process. Sanctions, I’m told, require unanimous agreement within the Council of the European Union. This means that if just one country, like, say, Slovakia under someone like Fico, or Italy under someone like Meloni, chooses to veto the sanctions, the entire effort falls apart. The EU’s perceived weakness and its inability to effectively deal with Hungary’s actions are major criticisms. The idea of the EU’s “ineptitude” and its inability to suspend Hungary’s voting rights despite knowing Orbán is essentially a Russian agent reflects a serious concern about the union’s ability to defend itself from internal saboteurs.
EU Parliament calls for sanctions against Orbán: Then there’s the discussion on potential alternatives. I picked up on the suggestion of a “new European alliance”—one that is willing to stand firm against those who seek to undermine the union from within. This suggests a desire for a more streamlined, effective body, free from the constraints of needing every single member to agree on every single thing. The frustration is clear: one single country shouldn’t be able to hold the entire Union hostage.
EU Parliament calls for sanctions against Orbán: It also seems there’s the feeling that we are constantly re-defining what these types of regimes are up to, we keep having to come up with new names. It’s a reminder that political analysis needs to stay updated, like the one-week refresher course on Poli-Sci.
EU Parliament calls for sanctions against Orbán: There were also some suggestions that perhaps the Hungarian people, not just Orbán, should bear the consequences – perhaps through sanctions. That viewpoint, though, is contentious.
EU Parliament calls for sanctions against Orbán: There’s a fair bit of cynicism too, though. One comment touches on the idea that the “populists” exploit the laziness of the voting public, using divisive tactics to win by slim margins. And the accusation of corruption within the government, bribing the desperate to maintain power.
EU Parliament calls for sanctions against Orbán: The discussion on the left and right in the political spectrum also comes up. There is a question raised of the democracy and power balances with regard to the French government, implying that even with a left government, there can be outside forces at play.
EU Parliament calls for sanctions against Orbán: It’s also important to remember, as someone pointed out, that Orbán wouldn’t be in power without the support of Hungarian voters. Even with “election fuckery,” as it’s been called, there has to be a base of support. In the end, the people of Hungary are responsible for the regime. The idea that those in power are “inside the tent pissing in,” and not out “pissing out” captures a somewhat resigned acceptance of a difficult situation.