The Connection Between Attempted Coups in the United States and Hungary's Corrupt Politics

The Connection Between Attempted Coups in the United States and Hungary's Corrupt Politics

Yes, It Was an Attempted Coup: The United States' Experience

The events of January 6, 2021, at the United States Capitol, where a mob of Trump supporters stormed the building, were not just a riot or an out-of-control protest. It was, in fact, an attempted coup. However delusional or poorly executed it may have been, every action taken by those involved in trying to overturn the election results was part of a larger effort to keep power in the hands of the former president. The seriousness of this goal, regardless of its execution, is what makes it a coup attempt.

The coup attempt in the United States was not limited to what transpired on that fateful day in January. It was a culmination of efforts that began long before, with baseless claims of voter fraud and attempts to discredit the election process. These actions were aimed at undermining the democratic process and keeping the powers of the presidency in Trump's hands beyond his term. The events of January 6 were the moment of final failure, leading to the former president's admission of defeat and the acceptance of a lawful transfer of power.

The connection between the coup attempt and the events at the Capitol lies in the fact that the mob of Trump supporters wanted to install their leader, Donald Trump, as the head of the government. While the QAnon Shaman, who became a symbol of the chaos on the Senate floor, may not have had a concrete plan to take power himself, the real aim was to install Trump as the leader. This distinction is important in understanding the gravity of the situation and accurately describing what occurred.

"„Wegen Orbán schämen wir uns vor der Welt“": Hungary's Corrupt Politics

In Hungary, the political landscape under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been marred by corruption and the erosion of democratic institutions. The new constitution dictated by Orbán and the Media Council, which restricts media freedom, are clear examples of the government's pursuit of exclusive power. However, it is not just these institutions that are problematic; the entire political system under Orbán's rule is riddled with corruption.

The international community is well aware of the corruption within Hungarian politics. The rise of István Tiborcz, Orbán's son-in-law, to become one of the 30 wealthiest individuals in Hungary within three years, with a fortune of 80 million euros, raises questions about the prime minister's involvement. Similarly, Lörinc Mészáros, a friend of Orbán and an average gas installer, became wealthier than the Queen of England in just four years. If Orbán had no involvement in these affairs, one would expect him to support the criminal investigation proposed by the EU Anti-Corruption Authority (OLAF). However, there has been no investigation into Tiborcz in Hungary.

The erosion of trust in Orbán extends beyond the borders of Hungary. Even Hungary's allies, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, no longer trust him. Orbán's visit to Moscow shortly before the Russian invasion of Ukraine was met with visible anger from Putin. It seemed as though Putin demanded something from Orbán that he was no longer willing to provide. Orbán's political journey has been marked by constant shifts, from being a Communist to a Liberal, Conservative, and even a Fascist. He was once seen as Putin's puppet, but now Putin no longer trusts him.

Connecting the Dots: The Similarities and Implications

While the situations in the United States and Hungary may seem disconnected, there are common points that highlight the erosion of democratic values and the pursuit of exclusive power. Both cases involve leaders who sought to maintain power beyond their terms and were willing to undermine democratic processes to achieve their goals. The attempted coup in the United States and the corruption in Hungary under Orbán's rule both highlight the dangers posed to democratic institutions.

In Conclusion: Taking Action to Safeguard Democracy

To safeguard democracy and prevent future attempts to undermine it, it is essential to take action. Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Strengthen democratic institutions: It is crucial to reinforce and protect democratic institutions from erosion and corruption. This can be achieved through transparent governance, independent judiciary systems, and robust checks and balances.

2. Promote media freedom and transparency: A free and independent media plays a vital role in holding those in power accountable. Supporting media organizations that value truth, fact-checking, and unbiased reporting can help combat misinformation and disinformation.

3. Foster international cooperation: The fight against the erosion of democracy is not limited to individual countries. It requires international cooperation and support for democratic values. Collaborative efforts can include sharing best practices, providing assistance to countries facing democratic challenges, and holding accountable those who undermine democratic processes.

By recognizing the attempted coup in the United States and the corruption in Hungary as interconnected issues, we can better understand the threats to democracy and work towards protecting and strengthening democratic institutions worldwide.