Expert analyzes legal path to dismantle Hungary's illiberal system

Hungarian Prime Minister Magyar is using legal methods to dismantle the country's illiberal democratic system and restore the rule of law ^[1].

This transition is critical because it tests whether a system designed to concentrate power can be reversed through constitutional means without triggering further instability. The process seeks to reinstate a pluralistic democracy, and a clear separation of powers after a long period of centralized control.

Péter Techet, an expert on Hungary from the Institut für den Donauraum, said these strategies in an interview with Tagesthemen [1, 2]. Techet said that the current administration is focusing on legal mechanisms to undo the structural changes implemented during the previous era. This effort follows the tenure of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who ruled for 16 years ^[1].

Magyar has referred to the restructuring of the system as "Operation Fegefeuer" ^[2]. Journalist Armin Wolf said that the name sounds similar to an exorcism ^[2]. The terminology reflects the scale of the overhaul required to purge the previous administration's influence from state institutions.

The analysis comes approximately 100 days after Magyar took office as Prime Minister ^[1]. Techet said the goal is to move Hungary back toward a liberal democratic system by utilizing the same legal frameworks that were often manipulated to erode democratic norms.

Restoring the separation of powers remains a primary objective. This involves reforming the judiciary, and ensuring that oversight bodies can operate independently of the executive branch. By focusing on legal legitimacy, the administration aims to ensure that the transition is recognized both domestically and by international partners [1, 2].