Election on 12 April: What is at stake for Europe and democracies?
A roundtable discussion with Timothy Garton Ash, hosted by CEU Democracy Institute and Political Capital Institute
Date: 10 April 2026 I 17:00-19:00
Venue: 1051 Budapest, Nádor utca 15.
Language: English (without translation)
The parliamentary election on 12 April 2026 is a pivotal moment not only Hungary’s domestic politics, but also for the future of Europe and liberal democracies. The electoral results might re-shift the balance between liberal democratic and illiberal political models. This roundtable brings together leading academics, expert, and public intellectuals to examine the international implications of this election.
Among others, the discussion will address the following questions:
- How would a renewed Fidesz mandate reshape Hungary’s relations with the European Union?
- What changes could be expected in Hungary’s foreign and European policy under a TISZA-led government?
- What impact might the election have on the future of liberal democracies and the populist right?
The special guest and keynote speaker for this evening is going to be Timothy Garton Ash, professor of European studies at University of Oxford. He is one of the most influential contemporary interpreters of liberal democracy, combining historical insight with sharp analysis of present-day political challenges. Drawing on his deep engagement with Central and Eastern Europe, he highlights how the unfinished project of democratic consolidation intersects with broader global trends. Through books such as Free Speech and Homelands, as well as his ongoing commentary, he advances a nuanced defense of open societies grounded in pluralism, civic courage, and the continuous negotiation of freedom and responsibility.
Programme
17:00-17:05 Welcome remarks
Péter Krekó – director, disinformation expert, Political Capital Institute
17:05-17:35 The future of liberal democracies – and the international and global stakes of the Hungarian elections
Keynote speech by Timothy Garton Ash – British historian, author and commentator, professor of European Studies, University of Oxford
17:35-18:45 Panel discussion on the global implications of the elections and the future of the populist right
Krisztina Arató – political scientist, professor, director of the Institute of Political Science of ELTE AJK
Timothy Garton Ash – British historian, author and commentator, professor of European
Zsolt Enyedi – professor, senior researcher, CEU Democracy Institute
moderator: Péter Krekó – director, disinformation expert, Political Capital Institute
18:45-19:00 Q&A
The event is free, but registration is required. Please fill in this form by 9 April 2026: https://forms.gle/55RiGAsHV8iRAzyJ7
