After the fall of the Orbán regime, can Hungary mend its damaged democracy?
Summary
NPR’s Rob Schmitz returns to Budapest to assess the aftermath of Viktor Orban’s historic election defeat. The episode explores the new government’s efforts to restore democracy, including unfreezing EU funds and reforming the constitution. It highlights the fall of Orban-aligned oligarchs, the thawing of media censorship, and citizens’ hopes for a return to normalcy.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Hungary's historic election and new government
The abandoned mansion of oligarch Jula Balos
Reconstructing democracy and EU funding reforms
Calls for holding Viktor Orban accountable
Restoring press freedom and normalcy in media
Conclusion: Institutional changes and podcast promos
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