Hungary's Rhetoric Clashes with Economic Reality

Hungary's ruling Fidesz party's recent moves to consolidate its power amid a historic political opportunity have put it in conflict with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as it attempts to negotiate a new loan. While the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban ultimately will need to concede to IMF-mandated austerity and transparency measures, it will not do so without engaging in rhetorical brinkmanship that will escalate the country's financial instability.