The Hungarian people exercised their constitutional rights and chose democracy over Victor Orban’s sixteen-year authoritarianism. Orban’s political playbook seems to be the core of the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025. Or did they create their manifesto modeled after the Orban playbook? Over the past decade, Orban held a majority in the Parliament and eventually took over the courts and the media due to his own type of charismatic populism.

Reuters reports that Orban turned Hungary “into a testing ground for what he calls ‘illiberal Christian democracy,” rejecting multiculturalism and immigration, and portraying himself as a defender of traditional family values against Western liberalism.” Sound familiar?

Hungary became anti-NATO and sided with Putin’s position against Ukraine. Under the European Union’s charter, one country can block critical policy. Orban vetoed Ukraine’s membership to the European Union, delayed shipment of critical military equipment, and blocked economic aid.

Turnout was high in Budapest and rural areas, with Peter Magyar’s opposition party capturing almost two thirds of the Parliamentary seats. Hungary withstood the election bullying and meddling of Putin, Trump, and Vance. The trio attempted to paint Vladimir Zelensky as the evil boogeyman. It did not work. The election should be celebrated as a victory for the European Union and Ukraine.

America can do the same in November.

Todd Zimmerman

Chairman

Schuylkill County Democratic Committee