For years, Hungary inspired conservatives around the world. Under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the country demonstrated that a nation could defend its borders, preserve its sovereignty, and resist the ideological pressure coming from anti-freedom forces. I witnessed that spirit firsthand when I spoke at CPAC Hungary in 2025.
Today, Americans are watching Hungary with growing concern.
A healthy democracy is not measured by who wins elections, but whether those in power respect the rights of those who lose them. That is why recent developments in Hungary should concern anyone who values democratic institutions, regardless of political affiliation.
Since taking office, Prime Minister Peter Magyar and his government have taken extraordinary steps to reshape Hungary’s political landscape. Officials associated with the previous government have been removed from office, major constitutional changes have been enacted, and political opponents now face investigations and legal actions that many observers believe could prevent them from participating fully in future elections.
Every government has a responsibility to investigate credible allegations of wrongdoing. No one should be above the law. But the rule of law must never become a tool to eliminate political opposition.
Because America has experienced its own fierce political divisions in recent years, this lesson is even more important. Elections should determine who governs. Governments should not determine who is allowed to compete in the next election.
Imagine the outrage if a future American administration removed political opponents from office or barred them from seeking elected office. Americans of every political persuasion would rightly ask whether democracy itself was being undermined.
Hungary has long been an important ally of the United States and a steadfast member of NATO. Millions of Americans have admired Hungary’s commitment to national sovereignty and its willingness to chart an independent course despite intense international pressure.
That admiration is precisely why so many Americans are paying close attention today.
The strength of any democracy is not demonstrated by how it treats its allies. It is demonstrated by how it treats its opposition. Political rivals should be defeated at the ballot box, not forcefully removed from the playing field.
The Hungarian people alone will determine their nation’s future. But friends have a responsibility to speak honestly when they see troubling developments.
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America supported Hungary’s march toward freedom. We hope that journey continues.
The world is watching. History will judge whether this moment strengthened Hungarian democracy or weakened it.
Congressman Abe Hamadeh represents Arizona’s 8th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives.