Budapest - The ousting of Viktor Orbán in Hungary, marked by Petér Magyar's upcoming swearing-in on May 9th, has been celebrated as a victory against authoritarianism. However, progressives warn against complacency, emphasizing that the underlying forces driving the far-right's appeal remain potent across Europe. Orbán's defeat stems from economic grievances and corruption allegations, not necessarily a rejection of his anti-immigrant policies, which Magyar also supports, highlighting the challenge of dismantling systemic oppression.

Orbán's 16-year rule, characterized by the erosion of democratic institutions and the consolidation of power, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked illiberalism. His defeat offers a blueprint for challenging such regimes, emphasizing grassroots mobilization and strategic campaigning in key constituencies. However, the specific context of Hungary, including its disproportionate electoral system, must be considered when applying these lessons elsewhere.

While Orbán's fall is a symbolic blow to the far-right, it does not signal its demise. Far-right parties remain influential in countries like Czechia and Italy, and lead in polls in Austria and France. This persistence underscores the need to address the root causes of far-right support, including economic inequality, social alienation, and anxieties about immigration.

A particularly alarming trend is the mainstreaming of far-right ideas and actors. Giorgia Meloni's Italy has become a pilgrimage site for politicians seeking to emulate her hardline stance on immigration, signaling a normalization of xenophobic rhetoric. The European People's party (EPP), a coalition of center-right parties, is increasingly collaborating with far-right parties in the European Parliament, legitimizing their policies and further marginalizing vulnerable communities.

This collaboration extends beyond immigration, with the EPP adopting far-right skepticism towards climate action to appease farmers and prevent them from defecting to the far-right. This illustrates how political expediency can undermine efforts to address pressing social and environmental challenges, perpetuating systemic injustices.

The rise of the far-right is inextricably linked to broader societal trends, including the decline of social safety nets, the erosion of workers' rights, and the increasing concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few. Addressing these underlying inequalities is crucial to combating the far-right's appeal and building a more just and equitable society.