Changes of the Judicial Structure in Hungary – Understanding the New Authoritarianism

Abstract

In 2018 the populist right-wing authoritarian Fidesz, after eight years of dismantling the rule of law and democracy, won the parliamentary election by two-thirds, in a greatly unfair election. The release from authoritarianism through elections organized by the authoritarian forces is unlikely. Due to the lack of an effective counterbalance for the government, this political situation undoubtedly affects the judiciary, as well as the entire construction of the rule of law from several perspectives. This contribution thoroughly analyses the mechanisms that were instrumental in making the non-rule of law situation, as well as the reasons for this perplexing situation, with particular emphasis on the general peculiarities of the new Hungarian authoritarianism. In its concluding chapter, the article discusses the changes of the judicial structure in Hun-gary, in particular. In this respect, the development in Hungary has been characterized by continuous failure, and periodic setbacks.