Hungary's divisive prime minister

„Since then it has lurched further rightwards. Soon after taking power Mr Orban issued a national declaration, »May there be peace, freedom and unity«, to be posted in every state building. Cynics joked that Mr Orban should be known as the »Dear Leader«, in the style of North Korea's ruling despots. They are not laughing any more. State television resembles a propaganda arm of the government. Companies run by Mr Orban’s friends control large swathes of the media and the broader economy. Party allies or former Fidesz MPs have been appointed to run institutions including the judicial administration, the media watchdog and the state prosecutor’s office. Officials insist that these institutions retain their independence nevertheless.