Q&A: Definition of Democracy
Definition of Democracy
Question
The current model in Hungary — where there are elections but no freedom of speech (a ban on free journalism and freedom of expression in academia), Viktor Orbán’s insane corruption, and various other troubling things — do you think a country like Hungary can still be called a democracy? And in my view this is somewhat related to the debate over the judicial reform: is democracy just majority rule, or does it also include checks and balances and protection of individual rights?
Answer
This is not the place for lectures on democracy. Briefly, the question isn’t relevant, because it’s a matter of terminology. The question is what is acceptable and what is not, not what gets called a democracy.
Beyond that, I suggest you not form an opinion about Hungary based on what you read and hear in the media. The connection between that and reality is fairly tenuous, and most of it is propaganda and agenda-driven.
The debate here as well over the reform is not connected to definitions of democracy. Everyone here is in favor of democracy, and the current model also suffers from quite a few flaws that require correction.
Discussion on Answer
I don’t treat any such article as fact. Here’s an example of a different description: <a href="https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.israelhayom.co.il/magazine/hashavua/article/13667170%3famp=1" rel="nofollow">https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.israelhayom.co.il/magazine/hashavua/article/13667170%3famp=1</a>
As is well known, Israel is also no longer a democracy, and apartheid and genocide are being carried out here in Gaza.
A. There is no reference anywhere in the article to the fact that he shut down the media, or to his corruption. B. I’m concerned that the Rabbi has a personal stake in the matter — after all, he is a Hungarian citizen who got citizenship through the “Hungarians” office (and yes, I also thought about getting their citizenship).
Apparently you read a different article. But if you enjoy letting yourself be swept along, who am I to stop you. I think we’re done.
It seems to me that the fact that Orbán shut down the free press is a fact, not interpretation or agenda. All the countries of Europe have already warned that Hungarian democracy is collapsing.