Messages in the Media - University of Toronto

problem (which would set a precedent for future dealings
with members that step out of line), but have limited tools
to coerce Hungary to return to democratic principles.
This explains why the proposed punishment for
Hungary is simply the reduction of some EU subsidies and
funds for the coming years. For Fidesz and Orban, this unprecedented
political climate has allowed them to shape
Hungary to their vision. The ruling party counts on the
support of the majority and increasing pressures from the
EU and the US are generally portrayed in official and public
discourse as a breach of national sovereignty. The opposition
is in shambles, thus even forcibly removing Orban or
Fidesz (such as the case with Italy) is out of the question, as
there is no viable alternative. The overwhelming support
for Fidesz, and a concomitant cultic obsession with Orban,
governs the national political arena. Increasingly, as pressures
and punishments from both the EU and the IMF
mount, the public is becoming ever more critical of the intent
of these actions. Instead of being the champions and
safeguards of democracy, the EU is increasingly viewed as
an imperialist tool dominated by foreign interest that is
against the wishes of the Hungarian public. Ultimately, the
EU is trying to preserve democracy for the people of Hungary,
but with mounting ultimatums and looming punishments
in a depressed economy, the EU is only succeeding
at pushing Hungary further away.
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