Viktor Orbán
Prime Minister of Hungary (1998–2002; 2010–present) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Viktor Orbán (31 May 1963) is a Hungarian politician who has served as the Prime Minister of Hungary for three non-consecutive terms since 1998. He is the founder and leader of the ruling right-wing party, Fidesz.
Viktor Orbán | |
---|---|
Prime Minister of Hungary | |
Assumed office 29 May 2010 | |
President | László Sólyom Pál Schmitt László Kövér (Acting) János Áder Katalin Novák |
Preceded by | Gordon Bajnai |
In office 8 July 1998 – 27 May 2002 | |
President | Árpád Göncz Ferenc Mádl |
Preceded by | Gyula Horn |
Succeeded by | Péter Medgyessy |
President of Fidesz | |
Personal details | |
Born | (1963-05-31) 31 May 1963 (age 61) Székesfehérvár, Hungary |
Political party | Fidesz |
Spouse(s) | Anikó Lévai (1986–present) |
Children | Ráhel Gáspár Sára Róza Flóra |
Alma mater | Eötvös Loránd University Pembroke College, Oxford |
Website | Official website |
Orbán was born on May 31, 1963, in Székesfehérvár, Hungary. He studied law at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest and became involved in politics in the 1980s, when he helped found Fidesz, a youth organization that later evolved into a political party.
Orbán first served as Prime Minister from 1998 to 2002, during which time he implemented a series of economic and social reforms that helped to stabilize Hungary's economy and modernize its infrastructure. He was reelected in 2010 and has since been reelected twice, in 2014 and 2018.
As Prime Minister, Orbán has pursued a populist, nationalist agenda that has been controversial both domestically and internationally. He has been criticized for his crackdown on civil society, media freedom, and academic independence, as well as his handling of the refugee crisis and his opposition to the European Union.
Orbán's government has been accused of corruption and of using its power to undermine democratic institutions and the rule of law. His efforts to centralize power and weaken the judiciary and the media have drawn criticism from the European Union and human rights organizations.
Despite these criticisms, Orbán remains popular among his supporters, who credit him with improving Hungary's economy and promoting its national interests. He has been successful in mobilizing a loyal base of supporters and has built a reputation as a strong, decisive leader.
Orbán's vision for Hungary is based on what he has described as "illiberal democracy," a model of governance that emphasizes national sovereignty, traditional values, and economic self-sufficiency. He has argued that this model is better suited to the challenges of the 21st century than traditional liberal democracy, which he sees as outdated and unsustainable.
Orbán's legacy as a leader is a matter of debate. While he has been credited with bringing stability and prosperity to Hungary, his authoritarian tendencies and controversial policies have raised concerns about the future of democracy and human rights in the country.