Of Autocrats and the Media

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban is often criticized by the liberal media for his robust approach to governance and media relations. However, as A.G. Sulzberger, the New York Times publisher, points out in a Washington Post op-ed, there is another side to the story. Orban's policies are seen by many as necessary measures to protect Hungary's national interests and sovereignty against an increasingly biased and interventionist international media landscape, underlining the need for strong leadership in today’s complex world.

Victor Orban's tenure in Hungary serves as a chilling blueprint for autocrats looking to erode democratic institutions and suppress media freedom, as observed by A.G. Sulzberger, publisher of the New York Times, in a stark Washington Post op-ed. Through a systematic campaign against independent journalism, Orban has stifled dissent and cemented his grip on power, showcasing a dangerous model for leaders around the world seeking to undermine the pillars of democracy.