'The Hungarians turned their anxiety into hope, that's the main lesson for Israelis'

The Haaretz podcast explores the historic defeat of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban after 16 years in power, highlighting how widespread anxiety over authoritarianism, corruption, and national identity culminated in a democratic resurgence. David Isacharoff, Haaretz correspondent covering Budapest, describes a wave of youthful disillusionment and patriotic longing that drove voters to reject Orban’s far-right, anti-democratic regime. The election marked a dramatic shift from tension to ecstatic hope, with mass celebrations symbolizing a reclaiming of national sovereignty. The episode draws direct parallels to Israel, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long tenure has similarly bred political fatigue and existential dread among young Israelis. Isacharoff argues that the Hungarian example offers a crucial lesson: turning anxiety into hope through bold, populist opposition that speaks directly to people’s lived experiences. He urges the Israeli opposition to move beyond mere criticism and articulate a clear, positive vision for the future—especially on issues like peace, democracy, and state integrity. The new Hungarian leader, Petr Majar, signals a pivot toward the EU and ICC, ending Orban’s role as Israel’s European firewall and potentially isolating Netanyahu diplomatically. While the situation in Israel remains more complex due to war, ideology, and security fears, the episode ends on a note of cautious optimism: change is possible when people believe in their power to shape their future.