Andrei Macsut, Kristina Tsabala
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil – download the report
In the recent years, Central and Eastern European states have faced significant challenges to their democratic institutions and the rule of law. In their analysis, Andrei Macsut and Kristina Tsabala in their policy paper “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”: Dismantling of the rule of law and corruption as challenges to democracy in Central and Eastern Europe”delve into the complex dynamics underlying this erosion, focusing on the pervasive influence of corruption and the manipulation of legal frameworks by political elites.
From Hungary and Poland to Bulgaria and Romania, the authors explore how CEE states grapple with corruption, judicial capture, and democratic backsliding. Drawing on empirical evidence, they highlight the intricate interplay between political power and legal mechanisms, shedding light on the systemic obstacles hindering the region’s democratic progress. This process of dismantling of rule law is the most advanced in Hungary under Viktor Orban‘s leadership. His efforts to consolidate executive power and undermine judicial independence contributed to Hungary’stransformation in a partly free country or hybrid regime.
Despite these obstacles, the authors emphasise the vital role of civil society, media activism, and international pressure in fostering accountability and promoting the rule of law. The analysis not only underlines the urgency of addressing these challenges but also underscores the value of resilience of democratic values in the face of adversity.
The policy paper was produced as part of the “Protecting European Values” project.
