Orbáns Ungarn

by Paul Lendvai

Viktor Orbán regiert hinter einem scheinbar demokratischen Vorhang mit eiserner Faust. Eine zwar schwache, aber funktionierende Demokratie baut er in einen autoritären Staat um. Seine nahezu uneingeschränkte Machtposition verdankt er vor allem seiner persönlichen Ausstrahlung, seiner Unbarmherzigkeit und seinem Machtinstinkt. In den 1990er-Jahren als demokratische Hoffnung gefeiert, gilt Orbáns Bewunderung heute Männern wie Putin und Erdoğan. Von den westlichen, liberalen Werten hat er sich abgewendet. Sein rechtskonservativer, populistischer Kurs lässt fremdenfeindlichen und antisemitischen Tendenzen breiten Raum, seine finanz- und wirtschaftspolitischen Ambitionen führen zu einer Spaltung der Gesellschaft: Einer kleinen Schicht profitierender Neureicher steht ein wachsendes Heer an Armen, Arbeitslosen und Mindestrentnern gegenüber. Die politische Opposition ist schwach und gespalten, die junge urbane Generation wendet sich von der Politik ab oder wandert aus. Ungarn ist zu einem Fremdkörper im demokratischen Europa geworden.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Hungary, Politics, History, European History

240 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2016

About the author

Paul Lendvai is a Hungarian-born Austrian journalist who worked as a correspondent for the Financial Times for more than two decades. He is the author of Hungary: Between Democracy and Authoritarianism; Inside Austria: New Challenges, Old Demons; and Blacklisted: A Journalist's Life in Central Europe.

Reviews

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dem ORF Korrespondenten Paul Lendvai ist mit diesem Buch eine brillante, gut recherchierte Analyse der ungarischen Politik seit 1989 gelungen. Insofern ist das Werk für alle Ungarnfreunde sehr wichtig, aber auch für all jene, die sich für Politik interessieren, denn es kann auch als politisches Lehrstück verstanden werden, wie ein machtgeiler rechtspopulistischer Politiker innerhalb von 7 Jahren eine zwar relativ neue, aber trotzdem gut funktionierende Demokratie nachhaltig zerstören kann.

In Deutschland ist es ja noch nicht ganz so weit, denn die Regierung ist - trotz aller Vorbehalte, die man gegen ihre Politik haben mag – stark und agiert wenigstens proaktiv und löst Probleme, anstatt sich seit Jahrzehnten ständig gegenseitig zu blockieren. In Österreich fahren aber die mittlerweile sehr erfolgreichen rechten Populisten im geheimen Schlepptau mit dem identitären Mob durch Angstmache das analoge Programm zu Ungarn und werden genauso wie beim südlichen Nachbarn von einer Jahrzehnte quasi gelähmten und inaktiven Regierung nicht daran gehindert. Orban ist ja auch das erklärte Vorbild von H.C. Strache und Norbert Hofer. Irgendwie erinnert mich die reale Situation in Ungarn an die fiktive politische Satire „Endlich Strache“ aus dem Jahr 2010, in der dieser rechtspopulistische Hetzer nicht hauptsächlich durch seine eigenen Qualitäten an die Macht kommt, sondern durch die Inkompetenz aller anderen Parteien in den Sattel gehoben wird. Leider ist diese Situation in Ungarn tatsächlich fast genauso quasi drehbuchmäßig passiert. Insofern sollte diese Analyse eben von allen irgendwie an Demokratie Interessierten gelesen werden, denn sie gibt natürlich sehr gute Hinweise, wie solche Situationen entstehen und wie sie auch vermieden werden können.

Lendvai, der sich als 1956 aus Ungarn Geflüchteter als neutraler österreichischer Chronist seines emotional abgelegten Heimatlandes sieht, also 100% Österreicher, der nur zufällig ungarisch spricht und Ungarn kennt, verfolgt in seinem Sachbuch mit allen Hintergründen und Beziehungen sowohl das Leben von Orban als auch die Wandlung der vormals linken Fidez Partei zu einer autokratischen Einmannshow des Viktor Orban inklusive Speichel leckenden Günstlingen, die in unglaublicher Machtfülle irgendwo rechts von Attila dem Hunnenkönig agiert. Wirklich selten eine so gut geschriebene strukturierte Analyse gesehen, wie nach einer parlamentarischen 2/3 Mehrheit durch die Aushöhlung und Änderung der Verfassungsgesetze im Wochentakt, zuerst das Wahlsystem, die Medien, die Wirtschaft, das Geldwesen und die Nationalbank, die Bildung ... einfach alles an sich gerissen und auch langfristig nachhaltig (also auf Jahrzehnte) durch geschickte strategische Planung im Einflussbereich des Günstlingssystems von Viktor Orban bleiben wird. Dies konnte nur dadurch geschehen, dass die Opposition wie paralysiert und in gegenseitige Grabenkämpfe verwickelt einfach nichts dagegen getan hat, und die Bürger der Linken und vernünftigen politische Mitte Ungarns, anstatt ein lautstarkes zivilgesellschaftliches politisches Gegengewicht zu bilden, quasi geflüchtet also schlicht und ergreifend irgendwo anders in die EU ausgewandert sind – hauptsächlich nach Österreich, Deutschland und Großbritannien. Mich schaudert, dass Orban sein System auch exportieren und der EU aufstülpen will.

Orban lavierte in seiner Karriere von links nach rechts völlig egal - Hauptsache Sieg und Macht. Lendvai spart hier auch nicht mit einer sehr guten psychologischen Analyse der Person Viktor Orbans. Wie nannte man diese Leutchen bei Euch mal in Deutschland? Wendehals? Na in diesem Fall wendet sich der Hals nicht nur, sondern er dreht sich um 360 Grad, da wir ja nun mittlerweile wieder postkommunistisch in der Zeit vor 1989 durch Ungarns Anbiederung an Putins Russland angekommen sind. Während der gesamten Lektüre kam mir ein Satz immer wieder in den Sinn „Macht korrumpiert und absolute Macht korrumpiert absolut“, was auch die Conclusio des Buches auf der letzten Seite ist.

Fazit: Absolut lesenswert, eines der besten politischen Bücher, das ich seit langem gelesen habe.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orbán: Europe's New Strongman, by Paul Lendvai, is an account of the rise and politics of Victor Orban, authoritarian Prime Minister of Hungary. Hungary is a nominally democratic nation within the European Union, so Orban's policies of centralisation have been particularly interesting, comparable to events in neighbouring Poland. Orban has mimicked other authoritarian states like Russia and Singapore, taking control of politics by stacking committees, the judiciary and the like with key allies and cronies. He has utilized nationalistic rhetoric to stoke populism in Hungary, supported by the refugee crisis in Europe. He is an interesting figure for sure, and one to watch as Hungary slides into something akin to a quasi-authoritarian state.

Orban was born in Communist Hungary, into a poor rural family. He went to school in a relatively new facility, making friends with what would eventually become his key allies during his younger years. Orban was prevalent in Socialist Youth Leagues, seeking reform within Hungary, and participated in speeches after the Iron Curtain fell, and Hungary began to move toward democracy. He created Fidesz, at the time a youth party for younger politicians around this time. However, as the years went on Orban began to turn to more conservative and right wing ideologies. This is the party Fidesz has become today. He seems to have turned toward more authoritarian principles slowly, and once he achieved power in the mid-2000's, began to cement his control over every aspect of Hungary's political sphere. He has stacked the legislative and judiciary with loyalists, allowing him effective control over policy creation. This has led to his increasing use of policy to cement authority; he has put allies in charge of organizations and committee's as far flung as Hungary's Supreme Court, and minor sport's colleges.

Fidesz is a right wing conservative party, nominally within a democratic Hungary. However, the state is beginning to mirror such places as Turkey and Russia, with authoritarian leaders in technically democratic states. His power is derived both from his personal charisma and political acumen, allowing him two consecutive majorities in Hungary's Parliament, as well as his tightening control on politics, the media, and foreign observers within Hungary. Hungary is increasingly being seen as an authoritarian state, and certainly, along with Poland and Turkey, marks a backslide in democratic institutions being experienced in Eastern Europe.

Lendvai has written an interesting and concise account of Orban's government. As a political exile, Lendvai's account is certainly biased, to the point where he uses some nasty adjectives to describe Orban. This adds an element of the amateur to the book, making Lendvai's claims seem as if they lack credibility, and are personally motivated. This does detract from the overall quality of the book unfortunately. However, this is still a good account of Orban, and certainly one of the few available in the West. Worth a read for those interested in the topic, or who wish to read more on modern Hungarian politics.

[Adrian Buck · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is great little book if you've recently noticed that Hungary's prime minister is rather more prominent than the country itself, and are curious to know why. If you lived in Hungary for most of the last thirty years, are fascinated by the country and its politics, but still struggle with the language this is a disappointingly little book. It's a well written summary of the international news on Orbán. And despite Lendvai being Hungarian by origin, it is written from the international, liberal perspective that Orbán openly dismisses.

There some interesting quotes from people who have known Orbán over his career, but no in depth interviews. This in itself could suggest that both colleagues and enemies are unwilling to go on the record about Orbán, but as Lendvai doesn't make any effort to substantiate or refute the opinions offered, it seems more likely that Lendvai was unwilling to do any research for this biography, relying instead on available news articles and personal reminisces. Another disappointment is that it fails to contextualise Orban's politics apart from a hat tip to Trianon, which I don't find wholly convincing. There is no discussion about authoritarianism in Hungary, or the role of the pater familias - I have Hungarian friends who describe Orbán as an "apuci" (daddy) and compare him in this with Kádár. I didn't learn anything new from this biography, which means it compares badly with Forward! The story of Hungarian Primeminister Viktor Orbán written by Polish populist Journalist Igor Janke. Which was at least enlightening is respect of the operation of the 'free press' in Hungary.

Even though 'Europe's New Strongman' was published two years ago, it already seems dated considering how much Orbán has moved on. We have had movements back and forth with Trump, and Salvini, and the EPP. Internally, Lázár is no longer a rising star and has been banished to Hódmezővásárhely (literally 'beaver field market place'). The economy is booming and there has been an astonishing turnaround in Orban's relationship with the multinational corporations operating in Hungary which is not really addressed in either biography. But Janke's title at least suggests something that is essential to Orbán's success, it is difficult to see where Orbán is taking Hungary, but he is still pushing forward despite his insistence that he is some sort of National Christian conservative. If you want some (albeit theoretical) insight into what is happening in Hungary, I still recommend Post-Communist Mafia State: The Case of Hungary

[Sebastian Antoce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prezent permanent in mass-media din Romania prin declaratiile sale, Viktor Orban s-a impus in scena publica din Romania drept un protector al tuturor maghiarilor. Insa ce se ascunde in spatele acestei titulaturi in care s-a erijat liderul de la Budapesta?
Un raspuns ni-l ofera Paul Lendvai, care, in cartea sa analizeaza modul in care Orban, alaturi de partidul sau Fidesz, ajunge sa preia puterea intr-un stat din Europa Centrala iesit din orbita sovietica precum Ungaria.
Cartea urmareste evolutia politica a lui Orban inca de la inceputurile sale, definitorii pentru intelegerea modului in care acesta actioneaza fiind experientele ce l-au marcat de-a lungul vietii sale personale. Astfel, cartea incepe cu povestea lui Viktor Orban in copilarie si in adolescenta, fiind urmarite anumite secvente ce pot servi drept repere in intelegerea politicianului de astazi.
Inceput ca o gasca de tineri rebeli cu vederi liberale, Fidesz evolueaza spre un partid apropiat de o viziune conservatoare, asemantoare in unele puncte cu ideologia unor partide din Polonia si Rusia. Astfel, de la criticile aduse politicienilor conservatori in anii 90, Fidesz ajunge sa se detaseze de politica sa liberala, un exemplu constituindu-l politica frontierelor inchise in fata migrantilor.
Analizand modul in care tanarul Orban reuseste sa creeze un partid cu un succes fulminant dupa anul 1989, Lendvai doreste sa arate evolutia in timp a ideilor lui Orban. Din tanarul care este finantat de miliardarul George Soros si pana in momentul in care acesta ii devine cel mai mare adversar, Orban trece prin experiente definitorii pentru el dpdv politic. Pierderea alegerilor in 2002 si 2006 reprezinta premisele tuturor actiunilor pe care le va face incepand cu anul 2010, cand reuseste sa modifice Constitutia Ungariei, utilizand avantajul vremelnic dat de cele doua treimi din Parlament.
Asigurarea unei opozitii slabite, lipsa unei veritabile libertati a presei reprezinta astfel coordonatele unui viitor autoritarism de tip moscovit ce se formeaza in capitala de pe Dunare. Paul Lendvai isi constituie prin urmare eseul drept un avertisment pentru tot spatiul central-vestic european in fata autoritarismului, acesta fiind prezent intr-un stat care s-a angajat sa respecte drepturi pe care in fapt le ignora, lucru care l-a determinat pana si pe actualul presedinte al Comisiei Europene, Juncker, sa il alinte pe Orban cu apelativul "dictatorule".
Intru final pot spune ca desi componentele culturale si lingvistice separa spatiul romanesc de cel maghiar, putem observa o relativa apropiere in spirit si gandire pe plan politic.
Citind aceasta carte pot observa o buna prefigurare a viitoarei scene politice populiste europene: de la viziunea patriarhala asupra politicii, pana la masurile de ordin economic, social si juridic toate acestea pot fi descoperite in lectura acestui eseu.

[Jakub Dovcik · Rating 4 out of 5]

A casual observer of Hungarian or European politics often comes across the references of the way in which Viktor Orban managed to create an illiberal regime in a democratic country that is a member of the European Union. There are usually passing references to the way in which his cronies are handed out public contracts, to the lack of freedom of the press, or some corruption scandals. But for non-Hungarian speakers, it is difficult to truly understand the current regime in Hungary as well as the man who is in the center of it.

This book by a Hungarian emigré to Austria manages to tell the story really well - from an important description of Orban's childhood and youth, through his rise into the spotlight and later power. It also does a good job of telling the broad strokes of the political developments in post-communist Hungary - the successes and falls of the Socialists and other political groups that were eventually steamrolled by Orban's political machine. It is quite fascinating to read about the really terrible policymaking of almost all governments since 1989 that far too often succumbed to primitive economic populism. But in many parts, it is not detailed enough to truly understand the groundings and background of the economic and social policies that seem sometimes almost too absurd.

A whole latter part of the book deals with the way in which Viktor Orban rewrote the rules of the political system in Hungary since his massive victory in 2010 on the wave of historical revisionism and anger against the incompetencies of the Gyurcsány government. From the personnel changes to the complete rewriting of the constitution, Orban created the system for his benefit. It is a fascinating read on how basically all the power - political, economic, ideological - within a country now flows through a single man. At various points, one sees a lot of parallels with the story of Benjamin Netanyahu, but in a much weaker institutional context.
A rundown of his cronies, allies, and aides can get a bit confusing, but it is still very interesting to understand a deeper context of the whole system. Lendvai also does not spend enough time on Orban's economic policies that are quite particular and extend beyond just the corruption schemes - especially in the past five years, the weakening of the labour rights in Hungary has been a part of the restructuring of the Hungarian economy along the interest of big businesses - tolerated multinationals and his cronies.

As Lendvai writes, Orban is still quite young - 58 in 2021, so he still has 10-15 years of political career ahead of him. Understanding him is therefore essential also for the future of Hungary and the European Union, in which he will continue to play an important role.

[Annastiina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hesitating between two and three stars - generally, Lendvai presents a coherent and compelling analysis. I especially applaud Lendvai's particular focus on Orbáns coup over the economy (/corruption), judicial system, and civil servants. Also, the situation and evolution of the despicable "left" opposition is skilfully ingrained in the analysis. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to those who want to understand what on earth is going on in Hungary in 2017.

That all said - towards the end, the analysis loses some of its coherence, and Lendvai fails to follow the conclusions suggested by his own, earlier succinct analysis, and falls for the typical Germany-Hungary juxtaposition especially with regards to the refugee crisis (welcoming Germans vs. xenophobic Hungarians), thus reproducing precisely that East/West divide that acts as Orbán's fuel in his crusade against Brussels and liberals. Also, I understand that the book was finished in a hurry, and as a scholar working on questions of migration and Hungary I know how difficult it is to analyse an ongoing, spiralling fiasco. Nevertheless, a proper copyediting (from the publisher?) would have prevented some embarrassing mistakes, such as referring to Momentum also as "Memento" (a translation issue perhaps?) and László Botka as Mayor of Pécs, etc. These slippages are unfortunate, as they encourage the reader to engage in a more thorough fact check than what might actually be warranted.

[Horia Bura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quite detailed and compelling account of Viktor Orban's rise to power in postcomunnist Hungary, especially emphasising the numerous ways in which the PM has tried to weaken the rule of law in his own benefit since 2010.

However subjective or antiOrban the author would be, there's no doubt about Orban's ability to rule in a not so liberal manner, as he himself has once declared, stating that he promotes the oxymoronic idea of "the illiberal democracy".

[Matjaž Končina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Podrobna vivsekcija trenutnega iliberalnega prehoda Madžarske v avtokracijo. Berljivo, stvarno in ilustrativno. Pomembno čtivo za tiste, ki jih zanima načrt, model za preoblikovanje neke demokratične parlamentarne ustavne republike v avtokratsko despotstvo pod krinko varovanja nacionalnih interesov.

[Griffin Barriss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lendvai clearly explains Hungarian democracy/political history since 1945 and paints a vivid picture about how Viktor Orbán has daftly gamed the system to ensure his victory. Unfortunate reality, but he has played the international community, liberal democrats in Hungary, and private industry to build an indefatigable political fortress that is Fidesz. Hoping for the best in the 2022 election.

[Bob Finch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not so much a biography as a polemic on Orban and his government. Well researched and informative, the author makes no attempt to feign disinterested objectivity; he is passionately anti-Orban. The book describes chronologically Orban's attacks on liberal democratic institutions in Hungary, his remarkable political skill, and his uncanny talent to seize opportunities. And while the author lambasts Orban throughout, his analysis reveals that fundamental drivers toward the country's illiberal politics and intoleration, and Orban's ascent, are Hungary's people, history and culture. True for so many flagging democracies around the world. If you want to understand what makes Orban tick, this book won't get you far. But if you're interested in knowing more about a remarkable and frightening history of the once-promising rise of Hungary to its current state of affairs, the book offers a damning and rather depressing perspective. Just don't expect a balanced viewpoint.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enlightening. A well-researched, balanced account.

[Tiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

To knjigo brati v času Janševe vlade je huje, kot najhujša nočna mora.

[Panni · Rating 4 out of 5]

"More than ever, Viktor Orbán dominates Hungarian politics. Nothing important can happen unless he decides that it should. His decisions cannot be criticised, let alone challenged."

Orbán has dominated Hungarian politics for longer than I have been politically aware, and I felt a sense of responsibility to learn more about the man in charge of my country. Lendvai's book provided a useful summary of the events leading up to the current situation.

It covers Orbán's political career leading up to the most recent elections, but, since only the afterword covered events past 2017, it already feels a little outdated. I realize this book will most likely not be relevant to anyone who is not either directly affected by Orbán's politics (such as myself) or researching the decline of democracy under the type of leaders Orbán so proudly belongs to, however, I would recommend it to anyone who might be interested in how someone like Orbán can gain this much power. Keeping in mind that this is a story that still hasn't ended, the comprehensive review this book gives may serve as a cautionary tale for nations similarly vulnerable to the ruthless methods Orbán has employed.

[Adam Terenyi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul Lendvai gives a detailed account of Viktor Orbán's politically never-ending rise. He examines important changes in post-communist Hungarian politics using an Orbán-based analysis. This analysis isn't much of a plausible explanation for the Prime Minister's success, as Lendvai places most blame on Orbán's personality. He sees the PM's ruthless thirst for power and political skill as the principal ingredients explaining the implosion of Hungarian democracy. While this personal element certainly factors into an explanation of Hungarian democratic decline, other explanations, such as the presence of the far-right party, Jobbik, in the electoral scene; overt deficiencies in the 1989 Constitution; the socialist Ferenc Gyurcsány's grave political mishaps; and increasing popular discontentment, play a role. Lendvai does acknowledge these, but he builds no theory. Great read tho

[Gruia · Rating 2 out of 5]

O cronică a parcursului politic alături de o spicuire a diferitelor scandaluri de corupție. Nu se analizează deloc resorturile din spatele fenomenelor - este indicată de exemplu puternica influență a unor canale mass-media fără a privi și la motivele pentru care populația aderă la mesaj. Tabloul este, oricum, terifiant.

Adaptarea cărții în română nu e grozavă, cu fraze lungi în care pierzi șirul logic și cu diferite expresii stângace - traducătoarea folosește „anchete” și când vrea să spună „analize”, dar și când sensul evident din context este de „sondaje”. Nu este vorba aici de literatură fină, dar cam zgârie pe neuron.

[Alexisdorax · Rating 5 out of 5]

„In der Politik ist alles möglich …“
- Viktor Orbán

Paul Lendvai schafft es, dass man einen wirklich guten Einblick in die aktuelle politische Situation in Ungarn bekommt und erzählt die Geschichte rund um den Aufstieg von Viktor Orbán von Beginn an.
Der Umgang mit Macht, der Justiz, den Medien, Konkurrenten oder der EU sind wirklich sehr gut beschrieben und bringt definitiv Licht ins Dunkel. Es ist aber auch eine Warnung für die Demokratie an sich.
Ich habe mir ein Buch erhofft, welches mir einen Einblick in die Politik und in das System von Viktor Orbán verschafft und ich wurde definitiv nicht enttäuscht. Eine Empfehlung für alle, die das Thema interessiert!

[Jamie R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having lived in Hungary for a period I have been saddened to see the decline in its democratic values and the implacable nature of Viktor Orban's rise to power. I wanted to learn more and hoped this book would provide me with a starting point.
Overall I found the analysis of the current "democratic dictatorship" to be excellent. However, I did find elements of the book to be somewhat dry, the minutiae of Hungarian politics and names could be difficult to grasp at times but overall an excellent book to gain an understanding of Orban's background and his ascent to the top.

[Lenka C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a bit lost in names and dates as I am just a “general” public reader without a deep knowledge or interest into politics and/or Hungary. But the book was well written in a sense that it orientates you well in who is who and it offers also ‘why’ opinion. However, knowing the current situation few years later it drives me to a conclusion “wtf is wrong with us people normalizing corruption and shady business”🤷🏻‍♀️

[Koeneman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent analysis and biography about one of the most controversial leaders in the EU. The writer wrote from the Hungary before Orban, to his rise all the way to recent years.

This book has been published in 2018 so a lot of things from Orban in recent years are obviously not in this book. But overall you get a good understanding about Orban himself, his clan and his party Fidesz.

[Gabor Hernadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A razor-sharp political biography of Viktor Orbán, the Hungarian PM from the beginning to 2017. As a Hungarian myself I hardly could anything new in the book but it’s a great summary for anyone who wants to understand what’s happening in Hungary.

[Abigail Nicolas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating ethnography. Gives a lot of historical context to pre-Orban Hungarian politics which I appreciated. The translation felt a little off but overall incredibly informative and thoughtfully crafted.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice overview of the background and rise of Orbán and Fidesz, and therefore informative for those who want to know how Hungary got to where it is now. I found the first 2/3 of the book stronger, written more contemplative and at some distance. In the last chapters this distance (at least in time) was insufficient, and it becomes more of a hodgepodge of the (at the time of the book's publication) recent events in the field of politics, nepotism and who's friends with whom. The book at that point somewhat loses sight of the bigger contemplative line, and turns more into an integrated stream of the newest scandals.

The structure of the book could have been a bit stronger; the chapters (contrary to what their title suggests) do not always have a clear theme, and within a chapter it sometimes fans out in all directions, without a clear line. Nevertheless, the big (shocking!) line of Lendvai’s story is ultimately clear.

[rating 3,5/5]

[Seal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read on my train ride to spend a month in Budapest. Gave me so much information and insight into Hungarian politics I befriended a Hungarian kid who is big into politics and now we are amazing friends and chat daily

[Noah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book - but is not so much a biography as a contemporary political history of Hungary 1990-2017

[Penplam Penplam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nichts besonderes, informativ, Orban bashing, RUS ORB relations aufgedeckt, kritisch geschrieben

[Marko Tomašević · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent primer on Orban.

[Alessia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting overview on Hungarian politics

[Mike Buckman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a pretty good picture of a country that has descended into illiberal "democracy" and stands as a warning to us all.

[Michel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goede en kritische biografie, leest vlot

[Philipp_B · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel sick....