Hungary Demonstrates Deep State Exists and Can Be Dismantled by Political Shift
For years, the concept of a "deep state" was dismissed as conspiracy, described instead as independent institutions or checks and balances. However, Hungary's recent political developments have proven the existence of a deep state as a network of entrenched power beyond elected officials. In April, Peter Marki-Zay defeated Viktor Orban, gaining a parliamentary majority that allowed constitutional amendments to limit the prime minister's term retroactively, effectively barring Orban's return. Additional measures included shortening the president's term, imposing term limits on parliament members, suspending public media services, and closing institutions from Orban's era. While some actions can be justified due to Orban's consolidation of influence over media, judiciary, universities, and regulatory bodies, the Hungarian case shows that a deep state is not a secret cabal but a structure of long-term appointments, shared worldviews, and institutional norms that sustain political control beyond elections.
This example highlights the hypocrisy in political discourse: right-wing reforms to appointment systems are labeled political takeovers, while left-leaning governments dismantling entrenched power structures call it restoration or correction. The key insight is that elections determine government leadership, but institutions shape what governments can achieve. The stronger and more homogeneous these institutions are, the less elections matter.
Looking ahead to Israel's October 27 elections, the article warns that a center-left government led by Gadi Eisenkot may not need to dismantle entrenched power centers, as many institutions already align with its worldview. Instead, it could ally with them, gaining support in bodies like the Judicial Selection Committee to reshape the Supreme Court. Such moves would be framed as restoring judicial independence rather than political takeover, potentially ending right-wing efforts to alter Israel's power structure.
The article concludes that Israel does not need a right- or left-wing deep state but institutions fulfilling their true roles: courts resolving disputes, military winning wars, security agencies protecting from terror, media exposing truth, and academia enriching knowledge. Political power must belong to the people through their elected representatives, including constitutional courts whose judges are chosen by elected officials. Hungary's experience proves the debate was never about the deep state's existence but who controls it. Israel's challenge is to build a state where no faction needs a deep state to govern.
