Is Norway heading towards authoritarianism? A Hungarian perspective

As Hungarians witness the establishment of a new national assembly and government, many hope it signals an end to an autocratic regime and the beginning of democratization. However, an article from Norway suggests that understanding how a country arrived at this point is crucial, not just for Hungarians but for nations like Norway as well.

The piece argues that authoritarianism rarely emerges through sudden coups but rather through a strategic, often disguised, erosion of democratic systems. This process gradually weakens checks and balances, undermines the rule of law, silences independent media, marginalizes civil society, and diminishes the freeness of elections, even if they appear normal.

Hungary's government, for instance, is described as having tested reactions incrementally, pushing boundaries and retreating slightly when faced with resistance, only to advance again with less controversial measures. This gradual shift means that small breaches of democratic norms should not be dismissed as trivial.

The author stresses the importance of a "democratic reflex", an intuitive grasp of democratic principles and an immediate reaction when they are threatened. Education plays a vital role, as seen in Hungary, where the government targeted the education system to influence available newspapers and textbook content, and to shape students' critical thinking skills. A populace unaware of its rights is vulnerable, making the school system a critical battleground for democracy.