Lessons for Democracy: The Fall of the Orbán Regime & What It Means Globally

How do you reclaim a democracy when the rules have been steadily rewritten to favor those in power?

For 16 years, Viktor Orbán’s regime in Hungary was held up by the global far right as a blueprint for institutional control. The president of the Heritage Foundation—the architect behind Project 2025—explicitly described Orbán’s Hungary not just as a model, but the model for Donald Trump’s vision of America.

Yet, in a dramatic and historic turn of events, the Hungarian electorate proved that even the most deeply entrenched autocratic regimes are not invincible. Following a stunning electoral upset by Péter Magyar and the Tisza party, May 2026 marked a fresh political era as a new parliament was sworn into office, ending Orbán’s long-standing grip on power.

You are invited to an eye-opening presentation and community discussion to explore how this seismic shift happened, what strategies led to change, and why this moment matters for the future of democracy worldwide.

• When: Sunday, June 28, 2026, 11:30 am
• Where: UUFSD Founders Hall at San Dieguito Fellowship (1036 Solana Drive, Del Mar/Solana Beach, CA 92014)​
• Sponsor: The Social Justice Action Committee
• Presenter: Gitta Pazar, UUFSD Member

Meet the Presenter: Gitta Pazar
"Growing up in Hungary gave me a front-row seat to one of the most transformative periods in the country’s modern history. After receiving my master’s degree in 1988, I moved to Budapest and spent two years actively participating in protests that helped reshape Hungary as we opened up the Iron Curtain. I have lived in the United States since 1992 but have remained deeply interested in Hungarian politics. I followed the election closely and was in Budapest on May 9 to celebrate the swearing-in ceremonies of the new Parliament and Prime Minister."

What We’ll Explore:

• The Autocratic Blueprint: How democratic institutions, courts, and media landscapes were gradually reshaped over nearly two decades.
• The Mobilization Strategy: How everyday voters and coalition builders organized to successfully reverse the tide.
• The Global Parallel: Why American political strategists studied Hungary so closely, and the clear warnings—and hopes—it offers for the United States.
• Universal Lessons: Actionable insights on what it takes to protect and restore democratic checks and balances everywhere.

Join the Conversation
Democracy isn't a spectator sport, and the global cross-currents shaping our politics affect us all. Come hear a unique, first-hand perspective on history in the making and join a vital discussion on modern civil resistance.
Inquiries: Please send any questions to Donna at [email protected].

To learn more about the ground-level atmosphere during this historic transition, you can watch Péter Magyar sworn in as Hungary's prime minister, ending Viktor Orbán's 16-year rule, which covers the massive public celebrations and the shifting political landscape in Budapest.

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