Viktor Orban

Orban was a founding member of Fidesz, initially a liberal student movement opposing the communist regime. The party later shifted to a right-wing nationalist platform under his leadership.

Orban became Prime Minister of Hungary at age 35, leading a center-right coalition government from 1998 to 2002. His government pursued economic reforms and closer ties with NATO.

Orban returned to power with a supermajority, enabling his government to pass a new constitution in 2011. Critics argued it concentrated power in the executive and weakened checks and balances.

Orban's government passed a media law that established a new authority with power to fine outlets for content deemed unbalanced. The law was criticized by the EU and press freedom groups as restricting media independence.

During the European migrant crisis, Orban ordered the construction of a border fence with Serbia and implemented strict anti-immigration policies. This stance defined his nationalist agenda and drew both domestic support and international criticism.

The European Parliament triggered Article 7 proceedings against Hungary over concerns about rule of law, corruption, and democratic backsliding. Orban's government faced ongoing tensions with EU institutions.