Purpose: The thesis aims to investigate the interaction between Orbán’s hybrid regime and the populist argumentation of his speeches. Per this, the thesis explains how this interaction led to another two-thirds victory in the 2022 general elections. Thereby, the thesis defines the emergence of populism in Fidesz, the hybrid traits of the Hungarian political system, and the populist elements of Orbán’s rhetoric.
Methodology: The thesis is a deductive, qualitative case study of Orbán’s hybrid regime and populist rhetorical argumentation. For data management, the thesis relies on Critical Discourse Analysis and Coding. Through Coding, the researcher also obtained simplified quantitative data to demonstrate the frequency of several populist patterns in the analyzed speeches.
Theory: The thesis relies on the theoretical description of hybrid regimes and populism. First, the thesis explains the emergence of populism in Fidesz. Second, the thesis interprets the Hungarian political system through the hybrid regime theory. Third, the thesis uses populism again to understand Orbán’s rhetorical argumentation.
Findings: Through Critical Discourse Analysis and Coding, with the help of the applied theories, the thesis identified that Viktor Orbán had created the belief through his speeches that his party and his hybrid regime were the sole options for a flourishing and secure Hungary.
Originality and value: The thesis provides a detailed analysis and carefully translated quotation of Viktor Orbán’s speeches. In the highlights of the Hungarian language barrier, such a study gives a valuable insight into a political culture that is only superficially known abroad. A more detailed understanding can be precious considering the recent political conflicts in Europe.