Former President Barack Obama highlighted the importance of addressing right-wing governments in Poland and Hungary, suggesting they are “on the brink of dictatorship.” His remarks were released by the Obama Foundation following a conversation with three graduates of the foundation’s Global Leadership Program. During the discussion, he asserted that merely reverting to core democratic principles isn’t enough.
Obama mentioned graduates Zuzanna Rudzińska-Brszcz from Poland and Hungarian representatives Sándor Lederer and Stefania Kapronczei as examples of individuals who have worked hard to bolster democracy in their respective countries amid significant challenges.
Rudzińska-Brszcz previously served as Poland’s deputy minister of justice and was involved in strategic litigation for marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ community and political dissidents. She also advocated for the inclusion of various racial and sexual minorities in Poland’s 2023 elections.
Lederer, a co-founder of K-Monitor, described the group’s role as an anti-corruption watchdog aimed at holding the Hungarian government accountable. He suggested that instead of merely “defending democracy,” the focus should be on “reviving democracy.” He expressed a desire to shift perspectives, prompting discussions about future visions rather than clinging to past structures.
Kapronczei, co-director of the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union, voiced concerns about public disillusionment with democracy and proposed addressing problems at local levels rather than in abstract discussions.
Obama remarked that the “liberal democratic market-based order” has strayed from meeting people’s fundamental aspirations, leading to discontent that fuels right-wing populism and anti-immigrant sentiments.
He pointed to a troubling trend of authoritarianism worldwide, citing the targeting of civil society, press freedom violations, and the misuse of the justice system. These issues have drawn particular concern regarding how they resonate in Hungary and Poland.
In response, Balázs Orbán, political director under Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, criticized Obama’s statements, claiming they reflect a leftist strategy of questioning sovereign states through so-called expert opinions. He asserted that Hungary does not require external validation or permission regarding its political direction, emphasizing the sovereignty of the Hungarian people.
Currently, Hungary promotes conservative policies under Orbán, who maintains a cooperative relationship with Donald Trump. In Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk leads a center-right party, and the nationalist conservative President Karol Nawrocki aligns politically with Trump as well.
