The democracy in Hungary : A theory consumed case study on Hungary's democratic developement

Due to the democratic dissolvement in Hungary, the question has been raised if the country still can be seen as a democracy or if the state should be seen as something else. The aim of this essay is to analyze the situation in Hungary in order to investigate if the state is an illiberal democracy. In order to answer the aim of this essay Fareed Zakaria´s definition of an illiberal democracy will be used. Larry Diamond´s definition of a liberal democracy and the Copenhagen criteria will be used as well to support Zakaria´s definition. These definitions will provide the theoretical framework that will make it possible to analyze what is happening in Hungary and to come to a conclusion regarding Hungary’s democratic status. The study showed that the Hungarian government have changed the political system severely and Victor Orbán and his party Fidesz have systematically changed the constitution, which have reduced the democratic rights in several areas. Freedom of religion, freedom of assembly and freedom of press are just a few areas that the Hungarian people can´t take for granted anymore and it´s just getting worse. Orbán have himself stated that Hungary is changing toward something else than a liberal democracy and by looking at Zakaria´s criteria for an illiberal democracy is it clear that Hungary should be seen as an illiberal democracy.