Hungry for power

摘要

Hungary is under the international spotlight. In January the country takes over the rotating presidency of the European Union. But there is growing alarm about the increasing centralisation of power under the right-wing Fidesz government led by Viktor Orban, Hungary's pugnacious prime minister. Fidesz won an unprecedented two-thirds majority in April's general election. Since then, say its critics, it has embarked on a power grab, taking over almost every independent institution. Pal Schmitt, an emollient former member of the European Parliament, has been appointed to the presidency. A "statement of national cooperation", to be placed in public buildings, claims that only now has Hungary regained its self-determination, though it has been a democracy for two decades.