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Hungarian PM Orbán’s “illiberal democracy” bears striking similarities to Singapore’s model?

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5 years ago

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The prevalence of alleged cronyism and nepotism, the muzzling of independent press and opposition party supporters, and the use of state resources for election propaganda are some of the elements that characterise Hungary’s “illiberal democracy”, presently led by prime minister Viktor Orbán.

British historian and Professor of European Studies at Oxford University Timothy Garton Ash, who prefers to label Orbán’s administration as a “hybrid regime” modelled on “neither democracy nor dictatorship”, observed in his op-ed piece for The Guardian last Thu (20 Jun) that Orbán’s government specifically “punishes independent media owners and NGO or opposition supporters with arbitrary tax investigations”.

The “one-party” present Hungarian government, according to Prof Garton Ash, also allegedly “uses state resources for Fidesz [the ruling conservative political party] election propaganda, and even refuses local planning permission to an architect known for his anti-Fidesz views”, as he had learnt from his recent visit to Budapest.

He added that Orbán’s right-wing party “has effectively demolished the independence of the judiciary, as documented in an extensive report by Judith Sargentini for the European Parliament”.

“It has also changed the electoral law so that in 2014, Fidesz got 66% of the seats in parliament on 44% of the vote (whereas in 2010 it needed 53% of the vote to get the parliamentary supermajority that enabled it to change the constitution),” added Prof Garton Ash.

A tightly controlled Hungarian press was also one of the things Prof Garton Ash had observed, as a huge segment of the media, which is “already dominated by owners closely tied to the Orbán regime”, has now been “consolidated in a so-called Press and Media Foundation”.

“Hungary has sunk down the World Press Freedom index to 87th this year,” noted the academic.

Civil society and academia have not been spared from the Hungarian government’s iron grip, Professor Garton Ash observed.

“A new law on NGOs, similar to Vladimir Putin’s, has effectively forced out the Open Society Foundation of George Soros – the Jewish philanthropist against whom Orbán’s regime stirs up hatred, with propaganda imagery recalling the worst periods of European history.

“The Soros-funded Central European University has been compelled to move to Vienna for its core, degree-granting activities, and the government is now taking control of the research institutes and property of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences,” he added.

“All this is done while keeping the outward appearance of a liberal democracy complying with European standards. A bevy of articulate, English-speaking Fidesz spokespeople, starting with Orbán himself, are at hand to denounce such criticisms.

“Look, they say, of course there are still independent media! Look, opposition parties got eight of the 21 seats in the European elections! […],” said Professor Garton Ash.

However, conservative political scientist András Körösényi argues that contrary to the view espoused by Prof Garton Ash and many others that the current Hungarian administration is a “hybrid regime”, Orbán’s government more closely resembles “a plebiscitary democracy”, which revolves “around personalities” than the urge to represent “social classes”.

Hungarian press review Budapost cited Körösényi’s view in Hungarian economic and political weekly publication Heti Világgazdaság: “Körösényi believes that in the ruling political élite can be voted out of office, although PM Orbán’s popularity is overwhelming at the moment.”

“However, he continues, changes may occur, as with Jobbik [a nationalist far-right party]’s downfall, the ‘central power field’ that initially guaranteed the government a comfortable majority in parliament, ceased to exist.

“The PM’s elbow room in international politics may also narrow, Körösényi adds, and concludes by pointing out that economic prosperity never lasts forever,” according to Budapost.

Similar signs of a “hybrid regime” have been observed by many dissidents and members of civil society closer to home.

An example lies in the consolidation of multiple mainstream media outlets under the roof of Singapore Press Holdings and Mediacorp, and what Nicholas Yong of Yahoo! News Singapore has recently dubbed “a caste system”, in which SPH and Mediacorp outlets are given priority for important press releases, speeches and event invites over other media outlets.

Mr Yong said that even decades with the proliferation of social media and alternative news sites, the Singapore government hasn’t altered its approach to the media – “it has simply gotten smarter and much more sophisticated about it”.

This can be seen in the government’s latest piece of legislation – the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act, or the “anti-fake news” law – that grants ministers broad powers to determine what constitutes a falsehood. Consequently, this requires journalists and reporters to tread more carefully than they have previously done.

Political science researchers Allen Hicken and Erik Martinez Kuhonta observed in their book Party System Institutionalization in Asia: Democracies, Autocracies, and the Shadows of the Past that opposition parties in Singapore “have to compete on a highly uneven playing field” as the long-ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) allegedly uses “state funds for partisan gains” in order to maintain its “hegemony” over the island republic.

Nonetheless, it is possible for Körösényi’s prediction to translate into reality for both Hungary and Singapore once the leaders’ purported “cult of personality” wears off in the eyes of the electoral and discontent against the governments’ increasingly tightened grip reaches its peak, as seen in the backlash against Singapore’s POFMA in the recent months.

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US warns Israel to increase humanitarian aid in Gaza or face possible military aid cut

The US has sent a letter to Israel, urging it to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza within 30 days or risk a reduction in US military assistance. This demand comes amid escalating civilian casualties in Gaza as Israel intensifies its offensive.

Published

2 days ago

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16 October 2024

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The United States has issued a written ultimatum to Israel, urging the country to increase humanitarian aid access to Gaza or face potential cuts to military assistance.

The letter, sent on Sunday, marks the strongest known warning from the US to Israel on this issue, as humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate amid ongoing military operations. The communication, confirmed by the US State Department, was signed by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin.

The letter highlights Washington’s concerns over the rising civilian casualties and the humanitarian blockade in Gaza.

It notes that Israel impeded nearly 90% of humanitarian movements between the northern and southern regions of Gaza last month. These actions, it asserts, are contributing to worsening conditions for the Palestinian population.

Israel’s northern offensive, targeting Hamas militants, has reportedly caused significant civilian harm, drawing international scrutiny.

The letter demands immediate actions from Israel to allow humanitarian aid, stressing that failure to comply could impact future US military assistance. According to US law, military aid can be cut off if a recipient country impedes the delivery of US humanitarian aid.

The US is the largest supplier of arms to Israel, which has relied on US-supplied military equipment during its recent operations in Gaza.

However, Washington is now calling for a rapid increase in humanitarian assistance, particularly ahead of the winter season. The letter outlines concrete steps that Israel must take, including allowing the entry of at least 350 aid trucks per day through multiple border crossings and ending the isolation of northern Gaza.

Secretary Blinken and Defence Secretary Austin expressed deep concern over the “accelerated deterioration” of living conditions for Palestinians, especially the 1.7 million people forced into the overcrowded al-Mawasi area. These displaced individuals are facing the risk of lethal disease outbreaks due to the dire living conditions.

On Tuesday, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed that the letter was a private diplomatic communication, though he did not speculate on what specific consequences Israel might face if it does not comply.

He emphasised that US law prohibits military assistance to countries obstructing humanitarian aid, but expressed optimism that Israel would address the concerns raised.

In response to criticisms about the timing of the ultimatum, Miller clarified that the 30-day period was unrelated to the upcoming US presidential election in November. Instead, he said it was an appropriate timeframe for Israel to address the issues involved.

For its part, Israel maintains that it is not obstructing humanitarian aid, insisting that the United Nations and other humanitarian organisations are responsible for the distribution of supplies. The Israeli military also accuses Hamas of diverting aid for its own purposes, which Hamas has consistently denied.

Despite these claims, the UN has reported severe shortages in Gaza, particularly in the northern regions.

The two-week pause in aid deliveries to northern Gaza ended on Monday when the Israeli military allowed 30 trucks of aid from the World Food Programme to enter through the Erez crossing. The United Nations had previously warned that food and essential supplies were running out for the 400,000 Palestinians still living in the north.

The Israeli military, while acknowledging the US concerns, has continued its ground operations, particularly in Jabalia, a town in northern Gaza.

This latest offensive has caused heavy civilian casualties, with Gaza’s Hamas-run Civil Defence agency reporting that 42 bodies were recovered from air and artillery strikes on Tuesday. The victims reportedly included 11 members of the same family.

The offensive in Jabalia is part of Israel’s broader campaign to root out Hamas fighters, which was launched after the group’s 7 October 2023 attack on southern Israel.

That assault left 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 others taken hostage, prompting Israel to initiate a military response aimed at destroying Hamas’ infrastructure in Gaza.

As part of the current ground campaign, Israeli forces have ordered evacuations from several northern Gaza areas, including Jabalia and Beit Lahia, pushing residents toward the al-Mawasi region.

However, local reports suggest that many civilians are unable or unwilling to leave due to the ongoing fighting, sickness, or physical incapacity.

Israeli human rights groups have warned of a possible “forced transfer” of civilians, citing the controversial Generals’ Plan, which aims to evacuate the northern population entirely. Israeli authorities deny this, claiming that evacuation orders are only intended to keep civilians safe.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has drawn widespread international concern. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported on Tuesday that families in northern Gaza are facing “unimaginable fear, loss of loved ones, confusion, and exhaustion.” The organisation stressed the urgency of addressing the humanitarian needs in the region as the Israeli military continues its operations.

Amidst these developments, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the largest Muslim civil rights group in the US, has called for the resignation of Secretary of State Antony Blinken. CAIR’s demand follows reports that Blinken allegedly misled Congress earlier this year by denying that Israel was blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza.

According to an investigation by ProPublica, Blinken told Congress in May that “we do not currently assess that the Israeli government is prohibiting or otherwise restricting the transport or delivery of US humanitarian assistance.”

However, ProPublica reports that two US government authorities—the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the State Department’s refugee bureau—had concluded that Israel was deliberately blocking the delivery of food and medicine to Gaza.

These findings were reportedly shared with senior diplomats in late April, weeks before Blinken’s statement to Congress. CAIR has accused Blinken of lying to lawmakers and has called for his resignation due to what it sees as a serious breach of trust and accountability.

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Israeli tanks breach UNIFIL base amid calls for peacekeeper evacuation

Israeli tanks breached a UN peacekeeping base in southern Lebanon on 13 October, sparking condemnation from Israel’s allies. Prime Minister Netanyahu called for UNIFIL’s withdrawal from combat zones, accusing it of shielding Hezbollah militants. UNIFIL reported increasing attacks, leading to concerns about the force’s safety and regional stability.

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4 days ago

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14 October 2024

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(file image)

Israeli tanks breached a United Nations peacekeeping base in southern Lebanon on 13 October, prompting condemnation and escalating tensions between Israel and its allies. The incident marks the latest in a series of reported violations involving Israel and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the United Nations to evacuate the peacekeepers from combat zones, particularly areas under Hezbollah’s control.

In a statement to UN Secretary General António Guterres, Netanyahu claimed the peacekeepers’ presence provided cover for Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, by acting as “human shields.”

Netanyahu’s appeal followed several alleged attacks on peacekeepers in recent days.

UNIFIL confirmed the tank incursion at one of its bases, describing it as part of a pattern of Israeli violations, including the wounding of five peacekeepers.

Italy, one of the largest contributors to UNIFIL, has also expressed deep concern. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attacks during a phone call with Netanyahu. She reiterated the unacceptability of Israeli strikes targeting UN peacekeepers, reflecting growing unease among Western allies.

UNIFIL OPERATIONS UNDER THREAT

UNIFIL, established in 1978 to monitor peace in southern Lebanon, has frequently been caught in the middle of Israeli-Hezbollah conflict.

Following Israel’s 2006 war with Hezbollah, UN Security Council Resolution 1701 mandated that the region remain free of unauthorised military forces. However, Israel has accused UNIFIL of failing to prevent Hezbollah from stockpiling weapons and operating in the area.

Over the past weeks, hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah have intensified. UNIFIL reported attacks on peacekeeping equipment, such as watchtowers and surveillance systems, compromising their ability to monitor the area. Peacekeeping operations have been nearly suspended since late September, with over 300 peacekeepers temporarily relocated to larger bases for safety.

The escalating violence has also raised alarms in other nations contributing to UNIFIL.

In addition to Italy, France and Spain—both of which have significant contingents in the force—have issued statements condemning Israeli actions against peacekeepers.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz responded by reiterating Israel’s dissatisfaction with the UN, particularly its perceived failure to condemn Iran’s missile attacks in early October.

Late on Sunday, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said: “Unifil peacekeepers remain in all positions and the UN flag continues to fly.

“The secretary-general reiterates that Unifil personnel and its premises must never be targeted. Attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law, including international humanitarian law. They may constitute a war crime,” he said.

US urges restraint, heightened tensions in region

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed concern over the attacks on peacekeeper positions in a call with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

Austin stressed the need for Israel to ensure the safety of UNIFIL personnel, as well as that of the Lebanese military, which is not directly involved in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Tensions in the region remain high following the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Hezbollah’s involvement has further complicated the situation, with fears that Israeli military actions could provoke a larger regional conflict involving Iran.

The latest reports suggest Israel may retaliate against Iran for an earlier missile attack on 1 October. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, declared that Iran has “no red lines” in its defence, heightening the risk of further escalation.

Lebanon’s government reported over 2,100 deaths and 10,000 injuries resulting from the conflict over the past year, with significant casualties occurring in recent weeks.

While the Lebanese death toll does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, it includes numerous women and children, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing violence.

Calls for peace amid fears of wider conflict

The possibility of a broader war looms large, with neighbouring Iraq also expressing concern. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, speaking alongside Araqchi, warned of the dangers an all-out war could pose to global energy markets.

“We call on all influential and concerned countries to work to stop the war and start a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon,” Hussein said, underscoring the geopolitical risks involved.

As of now, the fate of UNIFIL remains uncertain. Despite Israel’s calls for their evacuation, UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix insisted that the force would continue its mission.

Lacroix acknowledged, however, that the safety of peacekeepers had become “increasingly jeopardised,” with their ability to monitor violations severely restricted.

UNIFIL has been a key stabilising factor in southern Lebanon for decades, but with Israeli-Hezbollah hostilities worsening, its continued presence in the region could lead to further conflicts involving international forces.

The United Nations is facing increasing pressure to either reinforce or reassess its peacekeeping mission in one of the Middle East’s most volatile regions.

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