Even if opposition leader Peter Madyar and his Tisza party win this month's elections, they will face a political minefield built by Orban, the newspaper writes. During his 16 years in power, the current prime minister has filled key government institutions with his loyalists and entrenched a system that is virtually impossible to reform without an overwhelming two-thirds majority, the publication said. According to polls, the opposition will not have such a majority.
In addition, Fidesz supporters in the prosecutor's office and media authorities have been appointed to terms ranging from six to 12 years and cannot be dismissed by the new government.
One of the most dangerous traps is the Budget Council, consisting of Orbán supporters, Politico notes. This body can veto the country's financial plans. If the budget is not passed, President Tamás Szujok (also an Orbán ally) will have the power to dissolve parliament and call early elections. At the same time, the Constitutional Court, fully staffed by Fidesz judges, is capable of blocking any of Madyar’s reforms.
Experts note that Orban foresaw in advance the scenario of transition to the opposition, strengthening the powers of the president and supervisory structures. If he loses, he will retain influence through the state apparatus and the KESMA media holding. The opposition will have to govern under conditions of sabotage and the risk of budget paralysis, which could lead to a quick return of Fidesz through an early vote, the newspaper writes.
