An Idiot’s Guide to Hungary Part I: Politics

I have been here way too long not to understand the difference between Hungary’s Prime Minister and President or why Hungarians have a telecom-like affinity for political acronyms. This is by no means a comprehensive analysis; rather it is an exercise for me to string together a few coherent sentences sourced via Wikipedia about the current political situation in Hungary.

Since its transition to a multi-party political system in 1989, Hungary holds Parliament elections every four year. There are no major ideological differences between the main two political parties, both of whom contain ex-communist members and seem to concentrate on attacking each other rather than verbalizing or executing their platforms. MSZP, the socialist party in power since 2002, unsuccessfully campaigned against extending Hungarian citizenship to ethnic Hungarians in neighboring countries, advocates free markets, and includes former communist party leaders.

The majority believe Fidsez, the conservative party, will gain control of Parliament following the April 2010 elections not because they inspire confidence or are less corrupt than MSZP but simply because the public is tired of MSZP. Many ex-communist countries have experienced a similiar power flip every four years; it is believed the Hungarian socialist party extended their reign to two terms only by buying votes. Given the 2006 election turnout of 40%, elections are yet another forum in which Hungarians evidence their apathy.

Elected by Parliament, the current President, Laszlo Solyom, has no official party affiliation. Serving largely as a figurehead, the most interesting things about Solyom are that he refuses to visit the US as long as he is fingerprinted at the border, and Slovakia belligerently refused him entry this summer, heightening the ongoing tension between Hungary and Slovakia.

The office of the Prime Minister is more interesting and legitimate position. Ferenc Gyurcsany, of the ruling socialist party, made an unexpected announcement in March to step down as Prime Minister due to plummeting popularity. In addition to being criticized for his handling of the country’s economic crash and KGB ties, Gyurcsany's reputation was badly damaged in 2006 when state radio broadcast a speech in which Gyurcsany admitted lying about the state of the economy to win elections a few months earlier. The broadcast sparked weeks of protests and riots that left hundreds injured (perhaps caused by Hungarian Masculinity?). The non-controversial entrepreneur, György Bajnai, succeeded Gyurcsany in a so far successful attempt to avoid scandal until the next election.

Relative to other aspects of their lives, Hungarians can get riled up about politics. However when I asked one coworker why she did not vote in the EU Parliamentary elections this summer, she responded, "It was raining."

Part II to come: the Hungarian economy.