Who Controls the State?

3. Abuse of public office, influence or money for private or political gain.
6. City often used as shorthand for EU institutions and decision-making.
9. Country invaded by Russia in 2022; policy towards this war caused tension between the government and many European partners.
10. ___of law Principle meaning that leaders, citizens and institutions are all subject to fair laws and independent courts.
12. A capital city located on the banks of the Danube, where the national parliament building sits beside the river.
14. Surname of the long-serving prime minister from 5 Down.
15. Newspapers, television, radio and online news; freedom and ownership of these became a major concern.

1. Surname of the former political insider who became the eventual winner of that 2026 election after promising reform and renewal.
2. Governing party of that Prime Minister (14 Across) for many years, closely linked to the leadership style and political system built after 2010.
4. Politicians and parties outside government who challenge those in power and try to replace them.
5. The central European member state where the same Prime Minister led the government for 16 years before being defeated in their 2026 parliamentary election.
7. Parliamentary strength large enough to pass major laws, and sometimes constitutional changes, without needing many allies.
8. Political system in which citizens choose leaders through elections, but also need fair competition, rights and limits on power.
11. U___ Political and economic organisation of 27 countries that has argued with this member state over democratic standards.
13. Name of the challenger’s (1 Down) party; also the name of a major river in the country.