This blog is provided by the Common Sense Society of Budapest as an online, English-language platform for the publication and exchange of diverse and differing perspectives about Hungarian politics, economy, and culture. The views represented here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CSS. The Common Sense Society does not receive funding from any government entity or political party.
Despite any short-term political gains, pandering by Fidesz does nothing to advance the cause of liberty or prosperity on the Danube. It only makes Hungary look sinister – which it is not – and Jobbik look powerful – which it only wishes to be.
Hungary’s checks and balances are alive and functioning thanks to a still relatively strong Constitutional Court and the existence of external guarantees of human and political rights. The Court has, after all, retained its ability to oversee (and annul) the laws passed by the parliamentarian majority–its most important tool to act as a check on government decision-making.
