ORBANISATION: Experiences from Hungary, Lessons for Austria

Background
The term Orbanisation has entered mainstream conversations but without a proper definition regarding its meaning. Herbert Kickl, leader of Austria’s Freedom Party (FPÖ) , has expressed his wish for Austria to emulate certain policies of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

Current opinion polls indicate that Kickl may win the 2024 general elections, and therefore it is important to understand the fundamentals of Viktor Orban’s regime and policies.

Prof. Kim Lane Schepple explores the basis of Orban’s regime and discusses it with Prof. Nikolaus Forgó and Dr. Daniela Kraus, who compare it with the Austrian judicial and media system.

Speakers
Kim Lane Scheppele is a Professor of Sociology and International Affairs at Princeton University, US. Her current research focuses on a new generation of autocrats in different countries who consolidated their power through elections and by power of law. Prof. Scheppele is and internationally renowned expert on Hungary and Viktor Orbán’s regime. She is currently fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna (IWM). Full CV

Nikolaus Forgó is the Head of the Department of Innovation and Digitalisation in Law, University of Vienna.  Prof. Forgó is an expert in the Austrian judicial system.Full CV

Daniela Kraus, Secretary General, Presseclub Concordia. Dr Kraus is an expert in Austrian media laws and press freedom. Full CV

Moderator
Mirjana Tomić, seminar director, fjum/Presseclub Concordia