Publications - 13.04.2026 - 08:00
Our Michael Hilti Fellow, Arpad Szakolczai, comments on the latest political developments in Hungary in an article in the Irish Examiner and analyses the reasons behind Viktor Orbán’s election defeat.
In the interview, Szakolczai attributes the defeat of the long-standing government in particular to three factors: corruption, arrogance and authoritarian tendencies. These, he argues, have led to growing dissatisfaction among the population over the years and ultimately strengthened the desire for political change.
At the same time, he emphasises that the election result was primarily shaped by domestic political dynamics. Attempts to divert attention to international issues failed to convince voters. Rather, the decisive factor was how the government had acted domestically.
Looking to Hungary’s political future, Szakolczai does not expect a radical break, but rather a further development of existing political principles, albeit without the government practices of recent years that are perceived as problematic.
We are delighted to see how our fellows are contributing their expertise to the international media and analysing current political developments from an academic perspective.
Read the full article: Irish Examiner - Viktor Orbán's defeat due to arrogance and corruption, says Hungarian professor in UCC
The St. Gallen Collegium’s news section provides insights into our fellows’ current activities, projects and public contributions. It demonstrates how research extends beyond the academic context and is brought into public debate.
Whether through media appearances, publications or events, these contributions document how new perspectives on key issues of our time emerge and gain visibility at the Collegium. They highlight how academic work and public discourse intersect.
