Hungarian Political Scandal Exposes Orbán's Vulnerabilities

Resignations of key figures amid child sex abuse pardon controversy raise questions about government's integrity and future.

A scandal involving the pardon of a man convicted in a child sex abuse case has led to the resignations of Hungarian President Katalin Novák and former Justice Minister Judit Varga, exposing vulnerabilities in Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government.
The controversy has sparked public outrage and criticism from within Fidesz, revealing internal divisions and concerns over corruption and the enrichment of Orbán's close associates.
Despite the scandal, it remains uncertain how much impact it will have on Orbán's core voters or the upcoming local and European parliamentary elections, with Fidesz still polling ahead of divided opposition parties.
Independent journalism in Hungary, despite facing significant challenges, played a crucial role in bringing the scandal to light and challenging the government's narrative.
The resignations of Novák and Varga, two of Fidesz's most prominent female politicians, highlight the lack of women in senior government positions and raise questions about the party's commitment to traditional social values.