Warsaw Yesterday, Budapest Tomorrow?
The piece asks whether Hungary could replicate Poland’s recent political change and challenge Orbán’s “illiberal democracy.” It highlights key differences in opposition strategies and political conditions in both countries. It concludes that even an electoral victory would not easily reverse entrenched illiberal structures.
Hungary Ahead of the 2026 Elections: The Digital Media Battlefield
Hungary’s 2026 elections will formally take place within the framework of democratic institutions. Yet a distorted media landscape, concentrated media ownership, and new forms of digital manipulation raise doubts about whether voters can still make an informed choice. The Hungarian case illustrates that the integrity of the information environment has become a central precondition for genuinely free and fair elections.
A Political Recalibration: What the 2025 Czech Elections Reveal
At the Czech parliamentary elections in early October 2025, the country witnessed a political shift: the opposition ANO movement led by Andrej Babiš emerged as the clear winner with over 34% and is now preparing to form a government with the far-right SPD and the new protest party Motorists. The campaign was dominated by criticism of the Green Deal, rising living costs, and a scandal involving the former Minister of Justice. However, the planned three-party coalition appears fragile—strained by internal divisions and ongoing investigations into several leading politicians.
Romania’s Fragile Successes and the Rise of the Far Right
Romania’s rapid economic development since joining the EU has been overshadowed by rising inequality, institutional neglect, and political discontent, fueling the far right’s dramatic ascent. In the 2024 elections, nationalist rhetoric, a frustrated diaspora, and geopolitical tensions propelled the AUR’s Călin Georgescu to near-victory, exposing the fragility of Romania’s democratic and institutional framework.
Azerbaijan’s Snap Parliamentary Election: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
For some time, elections in Azerbaijan have been assessed as a “game” by the government, without any relevant opposition and passive acceptance on the part of the general public. Sofie Bedford takes a closer look at the snap parliamentary elections in February, analysing the current situation, new players and increased political activeness.
Andrej Babiš – ein zweiter Trump? Tschechische Wahlen mit Langzeitwirkung
Die Parlamentswahl in Tschechien erschütterte die politische Landschaft des Landes. Der Absturz der etablierten Parteien setzte sich fort, populistische Parteien verbuchten hingegen große Stimmenzuwächse. Dieter Segert analysiert die Wahl und gibt Erklärungen für den Wandel.
Elections in Kosovo: What has really changed?
The results of the recent elections in Kosovo imply changes in the balance of Kosovo-Serbia negotiations, in the rethinking of major public policy, and invite for reforms in the mainstream parties. In his article, Artan Mustafa claims that the recent elections are a vote against the main parties and that the public expectations for change are rising.
The Romanian Parliamentary Vote: From Protest to Protest
A year after a series of protests ended with the ousting of the Social Democratic Party-led government, the party reemerges as the dominant political force in Romania. Titus Udrea analyses the latest Romanian election and its ensuing developments that have led Romania on the brink of political crisis.
