Orban - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Viktor Orban is the current Prime Minister of Hungary, serving since 2010. He is the leader of the conservative Fidesz party.
- 2. Orban was born on May 31, 1963, in Székesfehérvár, Hungary. He studied law at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest.
- 3. Orban first gained national prominence as a leader of the student movement during the fall of communism in Hungary in 1989. He played a key role in the transition to democracy.
- 4. Orban served as Prime Minister of Hungary from 1998 to 2002 before being re-elected in 2010. He won subsequent elections in 2014 and 2018.
- 5. Orban is known for his nationalist and anti-immigration policies. He has been criticized by human rights organizations and the European Union for his crackdown on civil liberties and independent media.
- 6. Orban has been a vocal critic of the European Union, particularly its handling of the migrant crisis. He has called for stronger border controls and a more centralized, nationalistic Europe.
- 7. Orban has close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and has been accused of cozying up to authoritarian regimes. He has also been accused of corruption and cronyism.
- 8. Orban's government has implemented controversial policies such as a crackdown on NGOs, restrictions on the media, and changes to the constitution that critics say undermine democracy.
- 9. Orban's popularity in Hungary remains high, thanks in part to his focus on economic growth and social welfare programs. He has also been successful in mobilizing his conservative base.
- 10. Orban's leadership style has been described as populist and authoritarian. He has been compared to other strongman leaders in Eastern Europe and beyond.