Hungarian Academy of Sciences

In this modified history, critics say Orban has cast himself as saviour of a pure nation steeped in Christian values but besieged by external threats: migrants, Muslims, liberal ideologues.

For the story to be believable, academic, educational and cultural institutions have to play along.

Hungarian philosopher Mihaly Vajda said he has returned his honorary doctorate to the University of Debrecen because the school has also awarded honorary title to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I do not want to be associated in any way with an institution that has proclaimed Vladimir Putin as an honorary citizen," said 82-year-old philosopher on Facebook.