According to Transparency International, Hungary was the most corrupt country in the European Union in 2023 under Orban. While Matthew Goodwin, the right-wing academic who was announced as Reform UK’s candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election is known for his right-wing views, what many seem to have omitted is his admiration for the despotic ruler Viktor Orban and his regime in Hungary. The anti-extremist campaign group has also pointed out that despite claiming to be a fervent believer in free speech and a defender of academic freedom, Goodwin is also a vocal supporter of Viktor Orbán’s Hungary. Last year he tweeted: “I just spent 4 days in Hungary, a conservative country criticised by elites across the West. According to Transparency International, Hungary was the most corrupt country in the European Union in 2023 under Orban.