Fukuyama cites Hungary's 2023 election as a template for U.S. midterms

In a conversation on The Ezra Klein Show, Francis Fukuyama pointed to the April parliamentary election in Hungary, where Péter Magyar’s coalition secured a commanding majority, as an illustration of how entrenched populist regimes can be defeated. He praised Magyar’s ability to unite diverse opposition forces and transform voter discontent into a substantial win. Fukuyama contended that U.S. voters have a comparable opportunity to deliver a powerful rebuke to Trump-style politics during the midterm contests, though he expects the impact to be more modest than in Hungary.

He also reflected on broader populist dynamics, emphasizing the role of social media and perceived elite disrespect in fueling such movements. The analysis noted that while Magyar has diverged from Orbán on foreign policy, his domestic stance retains several right-wing elements, complicating a straightforward liberal-democracy narrative.