Economist Podcasts Illiberal-arts degrees: Hungary’s universities seized
Apr 30, 2021
In this discussion, Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent for The Economist, digs into Hungary's sweeping university reforms under Prime Minister Viktor Orban, revealing alarming trends in academic freedom. He highlights the lack of EU response to democratic decline, raising questions about funding complicity. The talk also shifts to an exciting development in mental health: researchers are working on a blood test for depression that could transform diagnosis and treatment precision. Additionally, a heartfelt tribute to activist LaDonna Brave Bull Allard is featured.
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Entrenched Power
- Fidesz's two-thirds parliamentary majority allows constitutional changes, entrenching its control.
- Reversing these changes requires the same supermajority, posing a challenge for the opposition.
Hungary's Democratic Backslide
- Hungary's democracy rating has declined, now considered a "hybrid regime".
- Viktor Orban's model is influencing other countries like Poland, raising concerns about democratic backsliding.
Potential EU Actions
- The EU can use mechanisms like Article 7 and the rule of law mechanism to address Hungary's actions.
- Increased citizen anger within the EU could pressure leaders to act more decisively.