Autocratic (Il)legalism - The Hungarian Example

Abstract

It is a common myth that since the Fidesz-KDNP coalition has almost always had a two-thirds parliamentary majority since 2010, the Orbán-government could pass its illiberal legislative reforms in a legally correct manner. In reality, however, many laws that constitute the pillars of Orbán’s illiberal regime were enacted in violation of the procedural requirements of the rule of law. The European Commission’s country visit to Hungary provides an opportunity to remind the EU bodies of their responsibility to enforce all requirements of the rule of law without compromise.

Keywords

• Autocratic Legalism
• Constitutionalism
• EU rule of law framework
• Hungary
• rule of law backsliding
• Victor Orbán