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2024-11-13

A Volatile Unity: Hungary’s Leadership Amid Geopolitical Shifts and EU Challenges – Hungarian EU Presidency Watch

Issue 5 - A review of the period between 28 October – 10 November

2024-10-30

Gearing up for the big show amid a "peace mission" 2.0 and new levels of anti-EU rhetoric – Hungarian EU Presidency Watch

Issue 4 - A review of the period between 14-27 October

2024-10-16

In the shadow of the “Strasbourg Battle” - Hungarian EU Presidency Watch

Issue 3 A review of the period between 30 September – 13 October

2024-10-02

Prioritizing politics over policy? - Hungarian EU Presidency Watch

Issue 1-2: A review of the first three months, July – September 2024

2024-10-02

Hungarian EU Presidency Watch

Hungarian EU Presidency Watch

2024-09-30

Spread the word in the comments, please!

Spreading political messages and narratives in repetitive comments

2024-09-26

Political Polarization in Modern Democracies – Origins, Dynamics, and Consequences

Keynote speech and Panel discussion

2024-09-26

Illiberal Challengers of Liberal Democracy in Europe

Panel discussion

2024-09-26

What Would Happen to the World if China Invaded Taiwan?

Panel discussion

2024-09-26

Poland's Re-Democratization Experiment – a Blueprint for Hungary?

Panel discussion

2024-09-26

Why Is Autocracy Thriving? – Interview with Anne Applebaum

Interview

2024-09-26

Political Leadership in the 21st Century: Populism, Authoritarianism, Dictatorship

Keynote speech and Panel discussion

2024-09-26

A New Global Gender Divide is Emerging? – Lecture by Alice Evans

Lecture

2024-09-26

What does it Take to Win? – Insights and Lessons from Russia's War in Ukraine

Panel discussion

2024-09-26

Empowering Europe: Strengthening Democracy, Protecting Citizens from Authoritarian Influence, and Addressing External Economic and Political Challenges

Panel discussion

2024-09-26

The Relevance of Filter Bubbles in Polarized Countries

Lecture

2024-09-26

Keynote Speech by Ambassador David Pressman

Keynote Speech

2024-09-26

Navigating Central European Journalism: Unraveling the Current Landscape and Financial Dynamics

Panel discussion

2024-09-26

Green Transition and 15-Minute Cities: A Path to Sustainable Urban Living – Lecture by Carlos Moreno

Lecture

2024-09-26

Green Transition of the Capitals of the EU Enlargement Countries

Panel discussion

2024-09-26

Opening and Welcome Speeches

Opening and Welcome Speeches

2024-09-26

The Future of Europe in Light of the EU Enlargement: Challenges, Opportunities and Reforms

Keynote speech and panel discussion

2024-09-26

Democratic Russia – A utopia?

Lecture

2024-09-26

Foreign Policy Outlook Before the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election

Panel discussion

2024-09-26

State of Liberalism in the Central Eastern European Context – After the European Parliament Elections

Panel discussion

2024-09-26

Budapest Forum - 18-19 September 2024 - Summaries of Panels

Budapest Forum - Summaries of Panels

2024-09-19

Conspiracy beliefs, receptivity to disinformation and factual relativism in Czechia, Hungary and Slovakia

A preliminary survey report

2024-09-17

Growing influence of Russia and China in the new European Parliament?

An analysis of the votes of radical right, far-right and far-left parties on Russia and China in the European Parliament

2024-09-04

Navigating Disinformation Trends and Civil Society Challenges in Central and Eastern Europe: Regional Mapping Reports 2023-2024

Study

2024-08-23

Budapest Forum 2024: Building Sustainable Democracies; 18-19th September

Press release

2024-07-31

Disinformation blitz during the Hungarian EP election campaign

Study

2024-07-10

Trolling to weaken the EU while winking at Trump: the first week of Hungary's rotating EU presidency

Analysis

2024-06-28

Uncovering, analyzing, debunking and researching sponsored disinfo - project summary

Summary report

2024-06-27

Methodological Toolkit

Methods, techniques, and tools used for analyzing sponsored disinformation

2024-06-26

Visegrad politicians diverge on support for Von der Leyen’s second term

Collaborative Policy Brief

2024-06-24

The Evolving Interests of the Visegrad Four in the Next European Union Mandate

Event summary

2024-06-24

What’s at Stake? – Debating the Impact of the European Elections

A joint event organized by CEU Democracy Institute and Political Capital

2024-06-20

Hungarian Citizen Election Report 2024

Press release

2024-06-17

Mapping Hungarian Influence in Slovakia and the Czech Republic

Study

2024-06-15

EU Elections: A win for Visegrad Four?

A joint event organized by EURACTIV Slovakia, EURACTIV Czech Republic, EURACTIV Poland, and Political Capital

2024-06-14

Is Hungary really a champion in fighting climate change? Not really

National policy report

2024-06-13

The elections swept away the established opposition, hit Fidesz, and touched the European mainstream, but the political system change has been cancelled both in Hungary and in Brussels

Political Capital’s analysis on the European and local elections in Hungary

2024-06-08

Fidesz & Co. flood social media with anti-Western hostile disinformation in Hungary’s election campaign, reaching EU spending records

Social media analysis

2024-05-29

Fico’s government reopening ties with Russia leaves Slovakia vulnerable to hybrid threats, joining Orbán’s Hungary

Collaborative Policy Brief

2024-05-28

European and Hungarian trends after the double elections in Hungary

A joint conference organized by Lakmusz, Mertek Media Monitor, and Political Capital

2024-05-23

MEPs from Central Europe: A bulwark against authoritarianism

Study

2024-04-25

Pro-government political advertisements are in record heights in Hungary, promoting hostile narratives against the West

Social media analysis

2024-04-25

Fidesz could make or break the ECR’s move towards the European mainstream

Collaborative Policy Brief

2024-04-24

A guide to the European and local elections in Hungary

Key information on the electoral systems and voting method

2024-03-27

Policy recommendations to tackle hate speech

Policy Recommendations

2024-03-22

Visegrad Group not convinced by new EU climate targets

Collaborative Policy Brief

2024-03-14

Competing for the third place

National policy report

2024-03-05

Is a détente between Hungary and Ukraine possible?

National policy report

2024-02-12

The ongoing child sexual abuse scandal threatens the very foundations of the Orbán regime

Analysis

2024-02-01

The results of the elections in Taiwan and Global Security Dynamics – conference summary

Conference summary

2024-01-16

Hungarian CSOs contribute to the European Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law Report

Report

2024-01-13

Dimensions of Hate – Exploring the State of Hate Speech in Europe

Conference

2024-01-09

The results of the elections in Taiwan and Global Security Dynamics

Joint public event of Political Capital and Taipei Representative Office in Hungary following the general elections in Taiwan

2023-12-30

The 'Eurosceptic Internationale' at the gates of Brussels? Populist alliance-building across the EU and Hungary's role in it

Study

2023-12-20

Media hegemony and exporting disinformation across the border

The Orbán regime’s influence on Hungarian minorities’ public discourses in Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Ukraine

2023-12-18

Political Capital in 2023

Annual summary

2023-12-14

Challenges of Strategic Communication in Hungary

Research summary

2023-12-13

Ideas on Democracy in the Western Balkans

Policy brief

2023-11-30

Factual relativism and distrust of news sources among the Hungarian public

Study

2023-11-23

‘Eurosceptic Internationale’ at the gates of Brussels? – The state and outlook of populist alliance-building across the EU and Hungary’s role in it

Summary

2023-11-16

The Orbán regime's disinformation influence in Hungarian minority communities in neighbouring countries

An online public event by the Political Capital

2023-11-16

Detekto.hu: A site for children has been launched to help recognize fake news

HDMO

2023-11-15

‘Eurosceptic Internationale’ at the gates of Brussels?

An online public event by Political Capital and the Heinrich Böll Stiftung

2023-11-14

Towards a Resilient Hungary: Political Capital's Proposals for a Genuine Protection of Sovereignty

Proposal

2023-10-19

Budapest Forum 2023 - New Autocratization Trends vs. Democratic Renewal

Panel discussion

2023-10-19

Budapest Forum 2023 - Russian Influence and the EU Integration Process of the Western Balkans

Panel discussion

2023-10-19

Budapest Forum 2023 - Arbiters of Truth – Defending the Public from Disinformation through Investigative Journalism, Media Literacy and Fact-Checking

Panel discussion

2023-10-19

Budapest Forum 2023 - Keynote discussion with Michael Shermer

Keynote discussion

2023-10-19

Budapest Forum 2023 - Revisiting Energy Independence in the CEE Region: a Stocktaking

Panel discussion

2023-10-19

Budapest Forum 2023 - Tomorrow’s Europe – Replacing Energy at the Centre of the European Political and Democratic Project

Panel discussion

2023-10-19

Budapest Forum 2023 - It’s the economy, stupid! The undervalued role of inequalities and inflation in undermining democracy

Panel discussion

2023-10-19

Budapest Forum 2023 - The Disinformation and Military Threat of Chinese Aggression – After the Invasion of Ukraine

Panel discussion

2023-10-19

Budapest Forum 2023 - Keynote speech - Jan Philipp Albrecht: Safeguarding Democracy in Europe

Keynote speech

2023-10-19

Budapest Forum 2023 - Going beyond EU conditionality?

Panel discussion

2023-10-19

Budapest Forum 2023 - Keynote speech - Věra Jourová: Going beyond EU conditionality?

Keynote speech

2023-10-19

Budapest Forum 2023 - Ukraine After the War – the Reconstruction of Ukraine

Panel discussion

2023-10-19

Budapest Forum 2023 - Keynote speech - William Browder, Ukraine After the War – the Reconstruction of Ukraine

Keynote speech

2023-10-19

Budapest Forum 2023 - Illiberalism and Gender – An Uneasy Relationship

Panel discussion

2023-10-19

Budapest Forum 2023 - Keynote speech – Helena Dalli: Illiberalism and Gender – An Uneasy Relationship

Keynote speech

2023-10-19

Budapest Forum 2023 - Direct European Funding for Cities

Panel discussion

2023-10-19

Budapest Forum 2023 - Keynote speech – Elisa Ferreira: Direct European funds for Cities

Keynote speech

2023-10-19

Budapest Forum 2023 - Towards re-democratization – Challenges and Opportunities within and Beyond the EU

Panel discussion

2023-10-19

Budapest Forum 2023 - Keynote speech – Didier Reynders: Towards re-democratization – Challenges and Opportunities within and Beyond the EU

Keynote speech

2023-10-19

Budapest Forum 2023 - Keeping Peace and the Future of the Transatlantic Alliance

Panel discussion

2023-10-19

Budapest Forum 2023 - Opening keynote discussion with Margaret Eleanor Atwood

Keynote discussion

2023-10-19

Budapest Forum 2023 - Opening speeches

Budapest Forum 2023 - Opening speeches

2023-10-19

Balkan Csárdás: Hungarian Foreign Policy Dance

Public event

2023-10-19

Budapest Forum - 11-12 October 2023 - Summaries of Panels

Budapest Forum - Summaries of Panels

2023-10-09

Hidden Agendas: Fake Profiles on Facebook ahead of Hungary's Upcoming Elections

Social media analysis

2023-10-04

Political Capital, Lakmusz and Mérték received funding for researching and debunking disinformation amidst the 2024 election campaign in Hungary

Press release

2023-10-02

V4 priorities and agenda for the new European Parliament and the Commission

The project seeks to create a regional platform for public and expert debates on the EU before the EP elections

2023-09-19

Objectivity and/or propaganda? - Facts vs. fake news in media and politics

Summary of Political Capital's event

2023-09-15

Susceptibility vs. immunity – Disinformation and conspiracy theories in Hungary

Summary

2023-09-14

Budapest Forum 2023

Press release

2023-08-04

Fact-checks, disinformation-related research and e-learning materials: that is how hdmo.eu will look like

Press release

2023-07-12

Unlocking the Potential of Fact-Checking: Bridging the Gap between Demand and Utilization

Research summary

2023-07-11

NATO Public Forum 2023

NATO Public Forum 2023, Vilnius, Lithuania

2023-06-30

Seizing an Unparalleled Opportunity to Meet EU Strategic Objectives - The Case for Cities' Increased Direct Access to EU Funding

Study

2023-06-19

Pro-Russian propaganda in the mainstream, anti-vaccination on the fringes

Study

2023-04-27

Hungary, European democracy, and the rule of law in the age of geopolitics

Public discussion

2023-04-21

Disinformation wonderland in the Hungarian government-controlled online media: Origo's articles on Putin and Zelensky

Media analysis

2023-04-13

Subtle messaging that could be followed up with a tougher one - 5 points on US sanction designations

Analysis

2023-04-06

The Future of Ukraine - Do We Know the Road to Peace?

Summary of Political Capital's event

2023-03-21

The Future of Ukraine - is there a Roadmap for Peace?

A public discussion between members of the Verkhovna Rada, the Hungarian National Assembly, the European Parliament, and experts

2023-02-24

Russia’s war in Ukraine – Predictions and Scenarios with Mark Galeotti

Conference summary

2023-02-24

Europe: no signs of fatigue in the support for Ukraine

Flash Report

2023-02-08

Russia’s war in Ukraine – Predictions and Scenarios

A discussion with Mark Galeotti and other leading experts one year on from Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine

2023-01-24

Hungarian CSOs contribute to the European Commission’s Rule of Law Report

Report

2022-12-22

Political Capital in 2022

Press release

2022-12-22

Political Capital’s visit to Taiwan in December 2022

Summary

2022-12-19

Punching above its weight? - The building of Hungarian political influence

Aims, instruments, actors, results

2022-12-05

Half of Fidesz voters believe government did not vote for sanctions

Summary of research regarding attitudes about Russia-Ukraine war

2022-12-01

Under Political Capital’s coordination, the fight against misinformation and fake news enters a new phase in Hungary

Press release

2022-11-16

Chinese and Russian hybrid threats – democratic resilience in frontline states

The joint event of the Association for Sustainable Democracy, Political Capital and Taipei Representative Office

2022-11-11

Hypocritical Anticapitalists - for-profit pseudo-scientific disinformation on the internet

A study by Political Capital

2022-10-28

The Kremlin’s troll network never sleeps

Research summary

2022-10-18

Budapest Forum 2022: Is Deep Polarization in Society a Driver of Autocratization?

Panel discussion

2022-10-18

Budapest Forum 2022: Keynote Speech – Simon Cheng: How autocratic tendencies can spread under the guise of democracy?

Keynote speech

2022-10-18

Budapest Forum 2022: Cities as warzone and Rebuilding Ukraine – Living During and After History

Panel discussion

2022-10-18

Budapest Forum 2022: Opening speeches

Opening speeches

2022-10-18

Budapest Forum 2022: Russia's Invasion of Ukraine: A turning point in Ukraine's European integration?

Panel discussion

2022-10-18

Budapest Forum 2022: Keynote Speech – Cheng Wen-tsan: Taiwan and Taoyuan under the Threat of China

Keynote speech

2022-10-18

Budapest Forum 2022: Energy Transition and Energy Security in Central and Eastern Europe in the Wake of the War in Ukraine

Panel discussion

2022-10-18

Budapest Forum 2022: Young people and democratic action

Panel discussion

2022-10-18

Budapest Forum 2022: Hungary: Global Illiberal Trend-setter and Black Sheep of the EU?

Panel discussion

2022-10-18

Budapest Forum 2022: EU expansion, Western Balkans, Eastern Partnership – What is the right way forward?

Panel discussion

2022-10-18

Budapest Forum 2022: Defending Democracies: The Aftermath of the Madrid NATO Summit and the New Strategic Concept

Panel discussion

2022-10-18

Budapest Forum 2022: Ambassadors Roundtable on Sustainable Democracy in the 21st Century

Panel discussion

2022-10-18

Budapest Forum - 21-22 September 2022 - Summaries of Panels

Summaries of Panels

2022-10-18

Budapest Forum 2022: Socially Just Climate Transition: a Blueprint

Panel discussion

2022-10-18

Budapest Forum 2022: How Can Cities Cope with the Energy Crisis?

Panel discussion

2022-10-18

Budapest Forum 2022: When Fake News Goes Mainstream – State-sponsored Disinformation and Effective Countermeasures

Panel discussion

2022-10-13

5 points about Viktor Orbán's visit to Germany

Analysis

2022-10-10

Europe’s slow awakening – The societal and political results of the recent crises

Summary of Political Capital's study

2022-09-30

5 points on the illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories by Russia

Analysis

2022-09-29

5 points on the third conviction of "KGBelea" by the Curia for espionage against the institutions of the European Union.

Analysis

2022-09-25

Will there be a tectonic shift in Europe? – The societal and political results of the crises

The joint online event of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Jelen and Political Capital

2022-09-06

5 points on Viktor Orbán’s visit to Moscow

Analysis

2022-08-13

Budapest Forum – Budapest, Hungary, 21-22 September 2022

Press release

2022-08-09

Extremist discourses about Russia's war against Ukraine

Monitoring of Networks of Influence Tactics and Operations in the Region

2022-07-22

Anti-gender and anti-LGBTQI mobilisation in Hungary: evolution, actors, networks

In our research, we investigated the mobilisation's driving forces, evolution, domestic actors and their international connections

2022-07-13

Tell me who you vote for, I’ll tell you what you think of America

Political Capital's study

2022-06-30

The anti-gender and anti-LGBTQI mobilisation in Hungary and Poland

Similar tendencies and significant differences can be observed in Hungary and Poland at the same time.

2022-06-30

Hungarian Elections: Mobilisation at Home and Abroad

A project of Political Capital and the International Republican Institute

2022-06-10

The War against Ukraine, disinformation - Discussion with Michael Weiss

Summary

2022-06-03

How to counter anti-gender and anti-LGBTQI mobilisation in Hungary and Poland?

Joint conference of Political Capital and Friedrich Naumann Foundation

2022-06-02

Overt and covert privatization in healthcare – Whose interest is it?

A joint online event of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Jelen and Political Capital

2022-05-30

The War against Ukraine, disinformation, and the image of the United States - Discussion with Michael Weiss

An event by Political Capital with the support of the US Embassy Budapest

2022-05-24

Hidden malign domestic and foreign “grey zone” media influence in the Czech, Hungarian and Serbian election campaigns

Media research

2022-05-13

Brussels vs Moscow: What is the point of sanctions against Russia?

A joint event by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Jelen magazine and Political Capital

2022-05-10

Disinformation in the election campaign – Hungary 2022

Final Report – after election day

2022-05-05

“Online trolls” are alive and well in the V4

Research summary

2022-04-30

Euroscepticism in the heart of Europe

Political Capital’s online event

2022-04-14

Domestic and foreign "dirty campaigns” in the general elections of the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Serbia

Political Capital’s conference

2022-04-04

Jobbik’s voters were the most likely to be missing from the opposition coalition’s camp

Flash Report

2022-04-01

Hungary 2022 - Campaign Finale: Warmongers vs. Peace-lovers

Analysis

2022-04-01

An assessment of disinformation narratives in the Hungarian election campaign

Initial report

2022-03-30

A short guide to the Hungarian election system

A neutral description of the Hungarian election system and, specifically, how votes are converted into mandates

2022-03-30

Orban’s Fidesz to overspend in Hungary’s election campaign

Press release

2022-03-29

Russian Disinformation in Hungarian Public Broadcast Media: Complaint to the European Commission

Press release

2022-03-29

Fidesz is the likely winner, but this time, they have to work for it

Analysis

2022-03-28

Orbán could win the election - and lose the world

Analysis

2022-03-24

Hungary 2022-2026

Political Capital’s conference

2022-03-10

The voice of the Kremlin dominated Hungarian social media until the outbreak of the war against Ukraine

Political Capital's study

2022-03-07

Discussion on the Russian aggression with the Ambassador of Ukraine to Budapest

Summary

2022-02-02

Five points on the 11th (or, taking 2009 into account, the 12th) Orbán-Putin meeting

Analysis

2022-01-18

Political Capital in 2021

Summary

2022-01-13

Hungarian civil society organisations urge the OSCE to send a full mission to observe parliamentary elections on 3 April

Press release

2022-01-10

This is how the Russian press sees Hungary and the Hungarian government

Press release

2021-12-10

Evolving digital environments and their effects on citizens’ welfare in the EU and Hungary

Initial optimism about social media has turned into an open expression of growing political, ethical, legal and economic concerns about tech companies.

2021-11-23

City Diplomacy – a New Tool for Democracy Promotion?

Panel discussion at the Budapest Forum 2021

2021-11-23

Urban Solutions and Smart City Development

Panel discussion at the Budapest Forum 2021

2021-11-23

Lessons of the Past for Understanding the Future

Panel discussion at the Budapest Forum 2021

2021-11-23

Angrynomics and Ways to Strengthen the Economic Bases of Democracies

Panel discussion at the Budapest Forum 2021

2021-11-23

The Future of Healthcare in a Post-Pandemic World

Panel discussion at the Budapest Forum 2021

2021-11-23

European Cities as Democratic Strongholds?

Panel discussion at the Budapest Forum 2021

2021-11-23

A new vision for Europe: where should the EU be heading?

Panel discussion at the Budapest Forum 2021

2021-11-23

‘After the Fall – A conversation with Ben Rhodes’

Conversation at the Budapest Forum 2021

2021-11-23

Rebooting Transatlantic Relations

Panel discussion at the Budapest Forum 2021

2021-11-23

Towards Polycentric Governance: Building Room for Democratic Experimentalism in the Political, Urban and Corporate World

Panel discussion at the Budapest Forum 2021

2021-11-23

People Power vs. the Climate Crisis

Panel discussion at the Budapest Forum 2021

2021-11-23

Presentation on Strategic Foresight

Presentation at the Budapest Forum 2021

2021-11-23

A small tour of Europe – the lenses of Green Cities

Panel discussion at the Budapest Forum 2021

2021-11-23

Responding to the Chinese Communist Party’s Strategies of Subnational Influence

Panel discussion at the Budapest Forum 2021

2021-11-23

Should Mayors Rule the World: Democracy, Trust, and Citizen Engagement on the Local Level

Panel discussion at the Budapest Forum 2021

2021-11-22

Sister cities: Wolf warrior diplomacy in a sheep’s clothing

Panel discussion at the Budapest Forum 2021

2021-11-22

Defeating Authoritarianism, Bottom-up: Best Practices

Panel discussion at the Budapest Forum 2021

2021-11-09

COVID-9.11: The transformation and anti-West radicalization of the Hungarian antivax movement

Political Capital's study

2021-11-03

Putin’s Trolls: The Tricks and Tools of the Kremlin’s Pseudo-Grassroot Disinformation

Summary

2021-10-19

The victory of the laughing third

There are reasons to celebrate for the opposition, but they still need to do a lot to gain a sufficient number of votes for a majority in the National Assembly.

2021-10-14

The European Parliament’s left-wing cannot let the Cuban regime go

Flash Report

2021-10-08

There can be only two

Political Capital’s flash report

2021-10-08

Slower decisions but more diverse politics in Germany after the elections

Interview with András Hettyey

2021-10-07

Putin’s Trolls: The Tricks and Tools of the Kremlin’s Pseudo-Grassroot Disinformation

A discussion with Jessikka Aro

2021-09-22

Overcoming tribalism and pernicious polarization

Budapest Forum panel summary

2021-09-22

Beyond Dystopian Visions: Social Media for the Public Good

Budapest Forum panel summary

2021-09-22

Sister cities: Wolf warrior diplomacy in a sheep’s clothing

Budapest Forum panel summary

2021-09-20

Disinformation Resilience Index 2021

Analysis

2021-09-15

Hungary’s Anti-Vax movement: Alive and Kicking

IRI - PC research exploring the evolution of the Hungarian anti-vax movement and their intersection with far-right and pro-Kremlin narratives.

2021-08-16

Budapest Forum for Building Sustainable Democracies

Press release

2021-08-03

Anchored in values, respecting facts – The first 20 years of Political Capital

Press release

2021-08-03

Globsec Trends 2021

Research report

2021-07-21

2020: the year of the anti-vax revolution in Hungary

The research explores the radicalization of the Hungarian anti-vax movement through the far-right and pro-Russian subculture

2021-07-14

The Specter of Authoritarian Regimes is Haunting Europe

Summary

2021-07-06

Human rights or economic ties: what does the EU want from China?

A joint online event of Political Capital and National Endowment for Democracy on Chinese, Russian authoritarian influence in the EU and the Union’s foreign policy

2021-07-06

"The first step should be the termination of the Paks contract."

Interview

2021-06-29

"The Austro-Hungarian Monarchy had common Foreign-, Defense- and Finance Ministries. It is frustrating that European integration is not there yet 150 years later."

Interview

2021-06-24

"The precondition of a common EU foreign policy is that each European citizen could identify themselves with it."

Interview

2021-06-18

Foreign policy ideas of the opposition prime ministerial candidates

Interview

2021-06-09

"Today, not a single EU member state can represent its interests alone”

Interview

2021-06-04

“Huawei is such a large national security threat that is simply not offset by the low price of its 5G network”

Interview

2021-06-02

“I would make the EU and Hungary stronger on the global scene”

Interview

2021-05-26

Disinformation against the European Union - How could the EU defend itself in information space?

An event organized jointly by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Jelen and Political Capital

2021-05-25

The Kremlin’s Financial Octopus in Hungary – The International Investment Bank and Strategic Power Projection in Central-Eastern Europe

Report analysis

2021-05-20

Not All Vaccine-Sceptics Are Anti-Vaxxers

V4 Data Reveal a Complex Picture

2021-05-11

A sovereign Europe – Fiction or reality? Challenges and opportunities for the EU’s strategic autonomy

A joint event by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Jelen magazine and Political Capital

2021-04-30

Not all vaccine-skeptics are anti-vaxxers

Research report

2021-04-13

Chinese Disinformation in Europe, Taiwan and the World - Challenges and Perspectives

A discussion organized by the Institute for National Policy Research (Taiwan) and Political Capital (Hungary)

2021-04-12

On Diverging Paths? The future of the EU and the United Kingdom after Brexit

Joint event by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Jelen and Political Capital

2021-03-25

Russian influence in Hungary: The case of Paks 2 and the Kremlin’s influence – seeking efforts through nuclear energy

Report analysis

2021-03-24

Latvian expert: V4 should be more ambitious in digitalization and draw inspiration from the Baltic

Mirror article #V4EU

2021-03-23

Coronavirus: Pandemic trends and vaccination strategies - infographic

#V4EU Infographic

2021-03-19

Twists and turns: What to change in the Recovery Fund support of Slovak bicycle transport?

Slovak national policy report #V4EU

2021-03-18

Production of medical equipment in Poland: Uphill and with variable luck

Polish national policy report #V4EU

2021-03-16

Czechia relies on nuclear energy in green transition. Is it inevitable?

Czech national policy report #V4EU

2021-03-11

Broadband building dilemma in Slovakia: Value for money or Gigabit Society?

Slovak national policy report #V4EU

2021-03-11

Hungarian NGOs contribute to the European Commission’s second Rule of Law Report

Press release

2021-03-11

Do not go at it alone: defending against the pandemic

A joint online event organized by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Jelen and Political Capital

2021-03-10

Disinformation during pandemic: How can the Visegrad countries combat it successfully?

Mirror article #V4EU

2021-03-09

Elif Gunduzyeli: Regarding climate protection, things are changing quickly even in the V4

Mirror article #V4EU

2021-03-05

Some in the V4 are reluctant to give up healthcare competencies to the EU

Collaborative Policy Brief #V4EU

2021-03-03

China, Taiwan and the West

Online live streamed event, organized by the Institute for National Policy Research (Taiwan) and Political Capital (Hungary)

2021-02-26

The European Parliament would strike against Putin, but some member states remain reluctant

Political Capital's Flash Report

2021-02-24

What makes an economy resilient? Lessons learned after the 2008 crisis and what it means for today

Hungarian national policy report #V4EU

2021-02-23

In the shadows of coronavirus: Where is Hungarian companies’ competitiveness heading?

Hungarian national policy report #V4EU

2021-02-23

Data and politics: V4 at crossroads?

Mirror article #V4EU

2021-02-19

The court found that the smear campaign against Political Capital and its director is based on a lie

Press release

2021-02-13

Making the most of the recovery in Visegrad

V4EU - mirror article

2021-02-12

New data behind Slovakia´s leap in renewables share

Slovak national policy report #V4EU

2021-02-11

Prof. Nikos Passas: It’s up to us whether we face a „time of great corruption” once the pandemic is over

Polish national policy report #V4EU

2021-02-11

Saving money in the short-term may haunt the Hungarian government in the long-term

Hungarian national policy report #V4EU

2021-02-09

Czechia lacks strategic communication. That is why it’s losing the information war

Czech national policy report #V4EU

2021-02-01

The laboratory focusing on coordinating research could strengthen Hungary’s AI push

Hungarian national policy report #V4EU

2021-01-29

Energy poverty threatens Czech coal mining regions

Czech national policy report #V4EU

2021-01-29

Will Europe run on Polish lithium-ion batteries?

Polish national policy report #V4EU

2021-01-28

National recovery plans in the V4: An uneasy exercise

Collaborative Policy Brief #V4EU

2021-01-27

The EU-China trade agreement is ‘unacceptable’ in its current form

Interview with Attila Ara-Kovács

2021-01-25

After Covid, a new, sustainable economic model is needed

V4EU, event summary

2021-01-25

German MP with Slovak roots: The cooperation between Berlin and V4 should intensify

Slovak mirror article #V4EU

2021-01-05

Political Capital fights back against brutal disinformation attack from Hungarian government-controlled media

Press release

2021-01-04

Rethinking the economy after Covid: How can Hungary be more competitive?

Mirror article #V4EU

2020-12-18

Legally binding ruling: Péter Krekó won a lawsuit against Figyelő, Origo and 888 for spreading false information

Press release

2020-12-15

Climate awareness rises, but are we ready to make some changes in the way we consume? - infographic

#V4EU Infographic

2020-12-15

Climate neutrality: Eastern Greater Poland wants to be the first subregion in the country to achieve that

Polish national policy report #V4EU

2020-12-14

Main narratives about COVID-19 in the V4 countries during the first wave of the pandemic

Political Capital's research

2020-12-10

New GLOBSEC study finds that the willingness to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 rises with the trust in public authorities

GLOBSEC Trends

2020-12-09

The Slovak recovery plan in the digital sector does not yet count in the industry

Slovak national policy report #V4EU

2020-12-08

A 100 years after Trianon: the (far-)right in today’s Hungary

A summary of Political Capital’s research, in collaboration with the Heinrich Böll Foundation

2020-12-02

Kremlin campaigns fuelling secessionism and inter-ethnic conflict across Europe

Press release

2020-11-30

Band aid for rule of law wounds – actionable recommendations for legislative amendments improving the system of checks and balances in Hungary

Press Release

2020-11-29

Green recovery after COVID-19: Last chance for V4 to climate transition?

Collaborative Policy Brief #V4EU

2020-11-23

Slovakia needs to catch up with the transformation of the car sector on which it is heavily reliant

Slovak national policy report #V4EU

2020-11-23

Revealing Russian disinformation networks and active measures fuelling secessionism and border revisionism in Central and Eastern Europe

Political Capital's webinar

2020-11-12

What’s Next?

Flash analysis on the proposed amendment to electoral laws in Hungary

2020-11-11

Covid-19: Narratives and policies of the populist and radical right in the Visegrad countries

Online conference

2020-11-10

Visegrad Four want to distinguish between ‘illegal’ and ‘harmful’ content in Digital Services Act

Collaborative Policy Brief #V4EU

2020-11-10

Internet security in the V4

The use of internet is becoming more and more widespread. However, many users are still unaware about the accompanying risks. #V4EU

2020-11-10

Polish rural areas: How to stop migration to cities?

Polish national policy report #V4EU

2020-11-05

A disinformation attack on human life

Political Capital and its partners monitored disinformation narratives concerning the COVID-19 pandemic during the first wave of infections in the V4.

2020-11-02

Voices of Central and Eastern Europe - Hungarian Country Report

Political Capital, in partnership with the Slovak think tank Globsec, analyzed the results of a public opinion poll encompassing Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia.

2020-11-02

Czechia wants to be AI leader and rejects regulation, but companies lacks state support

Czech national policy report #V4EU

2020-10-26

Policy drivers for economic recovery in the EU from the V4 perspective

The project seeks to create a platform for raising awareness about policy debates surrounding the EU’s coronavirus response across the V4 countries

2020-10-09

Visualising Influence

Information bubbles and ideological proximities on Czech, Hungarian and Slovak Facebook

2020-10-01

Substantial rule of law problems in Hungary confirmed by the Commission’s report

Press release

2020-09-29

Foreign Authoritarian Influence in the Western Balkans

Research on the nature and the degree of authoritarian influence in the Western Balkan region

2020-09-03

Authoritarian shadows in the European Union

Influence of authoritarian third countries on EU institutions

2020-09-01

The societal effects of the coronavirus pandemic in the 8th district of Budapest

A joint online event organized by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and Political Capital

2020-08-14

Authoritarian shadows

Malign Influence in the European Parliament

2020-08-06

Disinformation after the first wave of the coronavirus in Central Europe

Disinformation narratives and strategies related to the pandemic’s first wave in Hungary and the CEE region

2020-06-12

Europe’s future after the coronavirus

A joint webinar organized by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung

2020-06-09

Europeans are rallying around the flag, but winter might be coming

Although not all governments were well-prepared and equipped to deal with the consequences of the pandemic, we can see a general “rally around the flag” effect: the popularity of ruling parties has been increasing in most European countries since the coronavirus outbreak reached the continent.

2020-05-28

Nothing is more permanent than a temporary solution - the state of danger will come to an end in Hungary, but its impact remains

Political Capital's Flash Report

2020-05-22

Digital Authoritarianism and the Sharp Power Influence of China

A joint webinar organized by Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies and Political Capital

2020-05-12

Hungarian NGOs’ contribution to European Commission’s first Rule of Law Report

Press release

2020-05-11

Propaganda & disinformation campaigns during the COVID-19 crisis: The Role of Social Media

The European Foundation for Democracy, in cooperation with the U.S. Mission to the European Union and Political Capital, cordially invite you to an online discussion

2020-04-18

Anne Applebaum on the Post-Pandemic Global Order

A conversation about the pandemic's impact on the democratic world, and the myth that authoritarian states managed to better deal with the consequences of the crisis.

2020-04-16

Coronavirus and disinformation

A policy paper in association with Euronews Hungary

2020-04-08

Quarantine podcasts, Bologna Edition – a discussion with Erik Jones on Italian and EU politics

A podcast about the political and economic situation in Italy, policy responses to the corona crisis, the future of the European integration. Guest: Erik Jones

2020-03-31

Defending critical communication infrastructures against bot and troll armies in Central-Eastern Europe

Conference Summary

2020-03-27

"Any future war will have a cyber dimension"

Interview with NATO Parliamentary Assembly President Attila Mesterházy

2020-03-25

Abusing the state of emergency

Political Capital’s flash report

2020-03-03

Russian Disinformation and Putin’s “Postmodern Dictatorship”

A discussion with Peter Pomerantsev

2020-02-24

Seven out of ten Hungarians would support CSOs

finds our new study on Hungarian civil society

2020-02-12

Russian Disinformation and Putin’s “Postmodern Dictatorship”

A discussion with Peter Pomerantsev

2020-02-11

Eastern Europe Goes South?

Central Eastern Europe and the integration of the Western Balkans - Public conference in Budapest - summary

2020-01-17

63% of MEPs sitting in the EPP voted against Orbán and Kaczyński

The EP decided on 16 January to advocate for further consultations and measures concerning breaches to the rule of law and stated that in the past period the situation only deteriorated in Hungary and Poland.

2020-01-12

Eastern Europe Goes South?

Central Eastern Europe and the integration of the Western Balkans - Public conference in Budapest

2019-12-04

Doors Wide Shut

Russian, Chinese and Turkish authoritarian influence in Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic

2019-11-08

Erdogan’s visit to Budapest: another symbolic meeting

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Budapest on 7 November.

2019-11-05

The Hungarian government’s disinformation campaign during the 2019 municipal elections

During the October 2019 elections, the government-organised media launched a massive disinformation campaign against the opposition.

2019-10-30

Orbán-Putin meeting: lots of symbolism, no major development

Flash Report

2019-10-29

Lifting the veil of Fidesz’s invincibility

A summary of the joint study of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and Political Capital on the consequences of the most recent elections in Hungary

2019-10-28

Five points on the activities of the Hungarian far right on 23 October

The actions of far-right organisations in Budapest on 23 October surprised many, and several premature explanations have been published. Here is Political Capital’s take on the topic in five points.

2019-10-28

Making and remaking the Balkans - Book launch and roundtable

A joint conference of Center for European Neighborhood Studies (CENS) and Political Capital

2019-10-21

After the 2019 Municipal Elections– The Consequences of 3 Elections in 1.5 years

A joint conference of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and Political Capital

2019-10-15

Decisions on electoral interference EP: bad and good news for Russia

On 10 October, the European Parliament approved a resolution condemning foreign electoral interference and disinformation in democratic processes with a vast majority. The result of the vote on text, similarly to previous cases, shows that the Kremlin has nowhere near enough friends in the EP to inf

2019-10-14

Opposition breakthrough in the municipal election: there is politics beyond Orbán and Fidesz

The Hungarian municipal election has clearly brought a breakthrough for the opposition, as the performance of the joint opposition candidates exceeded all expectations. It was proven that, similarly to Turkey and Russia, the ruling party can be beaten even in the hybrid framework of the current poli

2019-10-10

Electoral irregularities and inequalities in the municipal election campaign

The Orbán regime has abused its institutional and informal power advantage more than ever before during the electoral campaign for the municipal elections held on 13 October.

2019-10-03

Rule of Law issues in Hungary

Brief overview - most important milestones of how the country’s illiberal system has been built up in the last 9 years

2019-09-16

The Lands In Between - Russia vs. the West and the New Politics of Hybrid War

A joint conference of Center for European Neighborhood Studies (CENS) and Political Capital

2019-07-31

Anti-Muslim populism in Hungary: From the margins to the mainstream

At the request of the Brookings Institution, Political Capital implemented a research project to understand the evolution of right-wing populism through its relationship to Islam and Muslims

2019-07-18

Why were Georgians protesting in Tbilisi?

Interview with Tamar Kintsurashvili

2019-06-11

How to exploit the Rule of Law Rush in Europe?

An article by Daniel Hegedüs

2019-05-27

Fidesz’s EP election dreams did not come true

Flash report on the EP elections

2019-05-20

Investigating Russia’s role and the Kremlin’s interference in the 2019 EP elections

A study by Political Capital and its research partners

2019-04-26

Russian attempts to meddle in the 2019 EP elections

This research project aims to identify the main narratives spread by official Kremlin mouthpieces and local pro-Kremlin media, focusing on how Russia-related issues and EU institutions are depicted

2019-04-10

Russian sharp power in CEE

Political Capital partnered up with Czech and Slovak experts to gain a better understanding of Russian soft and sharp power in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia.

2019-04-10

Collusion or Homegrown Collaboration?

A study on the connections between German Far Right and Russia

2019-03-21

Larger than life - How the Kremlin’s master manipulator and military superpower image is created in Central-Eastern Europe?

A joint conference of National Endowment for Democracy, CEA Hungary and Political Capital

2019-03-21

Is the Hungarian society anti-democratic?

The Hungarian results of an international research project on public attitudes to an open society

2019-03-14

Mystification and Demystification of Putin’s Russia - Research Summary

Summary of Political Capital's research on how the Hungarian society perceives the Russian Federation’s power potential

2019-03-13

Five points on Manfred Weber’s visit to Budapest

Political Capital's flash analysis on the visit of the European People’s Party lead candidate to Budapest on 12 March

2019-03-13

The Russian International Investment Bank is moving to Budapest

The Hungarian National Assembly approved the law on the International Investment Bank’s move to Budapest on 5 March 2019.

2019-03-05

Mystification and Demystification of Vladimir Putin’s Russia - Summary of the conference

Summary of the conference where Political Capital introduced the results of the research „Mystification and Demystification of Vladimir Putin’s Russia”.

2019-02-18

Mystification and Demystification of Vladimir Putin’s Russia

Political Capital's conference

2019-02-12

Five points on Mike Pompeo's visit to Budapest

Political Capital's flash analysis

2019-02-12

Russia in Hungarian public opinion

A chapter of Tárki's Social Report 2019 written by Péter Krekó

2019-02-01

The Year of Important Decisions for the V4 in the EU

The project primarily focuses on the positions and sentiments of the V4 countries towards the European integration process in general, and the EU institutions and policies in particular.

2019-02-01

Political Capital will be involved in a deradicalization project supported by the European Union

D.O.B.T – Do One Brave Thing project

2019-01-16

Five points on the failed Brexit deal

Political Capital's flash analysis

2018-12-10

Political Capital’s newsletter

Political Capital launched a newsletter

2018-12-10

What do young Central Europeans think about democracy in the media and political space of the 21st century?

National Democratic Institute and Political Capital’s joint study on young people’s commitment to democracy

2018-11-27

How to fight disinformation?

Political Capital’s study explains how Russian disinformation works and the security threats it poses.

2018-11-23

Fake news, propaganda and media use of the youth in the Visegrad 4 and the Balkans

Young people try to defend themselves against propaganda, but distrust mainstream media. The latter is, in turn, the main source of young people’s political passivity

2018-11-07

Summary of the panel discussion about the Bavarian election

A subjective summary of Poltical Caital's panel discussion by our intern Szilárd Borsos

2018-10-29

Conspiracy theories, fake news and superstition in Hungarian public opinion

The joint conference of Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung and Political Capital

2018-10-16

Demographic challenges – political and policy answers

Summary of Political Capital's study

2018-10-12

Understanding Germany - Possible implications of the Bavarian election

Political Capital's public debate

2018-10-10

The role of the government’s social policies in the stability of the Orbán regime

Summary of Political Capital's study

2018-10-08

Demographic challenges – political and policy responses

The joint conference of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and Political Capital

2018-10-05

Central European Futures – Five Scenarios for 2025

Political Capital introduce the study "Central European Futures - Five Scenarios for 2025 in cooperation with Visegrad/Insight and the German Marshall Fund of the United States

2018-09-19

Orbán showcased himself as a mediator between the East and the West in his meeting with Putin in Moscow

Political Capital's Flash Report

2018-09-13

The approval of the Sargentini report: the beginning of the end for Orbán in the European People’s Party? - Flash Report

Political Capital's Flash Report

2018-07-31

Beyond populism – tribalism in Poland and Hungary

Political Capital's new report on populism in Poland and Hungary.

2018-06-28

Brexit: what impact it will have on the UK, Europe and Hungary?

Conference summary

2018-06-28

Brexit: what impact it will have on the UK, Europe and Hungary?

Conference of Political Capital

2018-06-25

The effect of the 2015 refugee crisis on the share of attitude radicals

A comparative analysis based on the 2016/2017 DEREX index

2018-06-22

Constitutional amendments and Stop Soros: shifting illiberalism into higher gear in Hungary

Read our latest Flash Report

2018-06-20

The Rise of the Canadian Far-Right

A report on the Canadian far-right

2018-06-05

Illiberalism in the V4: Pressure points and bright spots

A comparative study on the democratic backsliding in the Visegrád countries

2018-05-25

What does the future hold for democracy in the V4? - Conference summary

Conference summary

2018-05-18

What does the future hold for democracy in the V4?

Joint conference of Political Capital and Friedrich Naumann Foundation

2018-05-08

The V4 and the future of the EU

In the frames of the project EurActiv Slovakia, EurActiv Czech Republic, EurActiv Poland and Political Capital produce analyses on the most important issues affecting the Visegrád Group.

2018-04-23

Knowledge about and attitudes on the Hungarian electoral system

Research summary

2018-04-16

What makes Orbán and Kaczynski successful? Populist attitudes in Hungary and Poland

Political Capital’s conference

2018-04-09

Fidesz most likely gained another two-thirds majority

Flash Report on the parliamentary elections

2018-04-05

Hungary 2018-2022

A joint conference of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and Political Capital

2018-04-05

Information, availability on election day

Political Capital team’s availability on April 8 and important issues regarding the elections

2018-03-22

The Belt and Road Initiative: Visegrad Four’s Chinese dilemma

China has used the international economic crisis to elbow its way towards a dominant position on the global market.

2018-03-21

Presidential elections in Russia: what is at stake for Europe?

Political Capital's roundtapble discussion

2018-03-01

Antigypsyism and Antisemitism in Hungary

Key findings of the research project on Antisemitism and Antigypsyism

2018-02-26

Hódmezővásárhely: a historic defeat for Fidesz

Flash Report on the mayoral by-election

2018-02-09

Undecided voters are about to make their choice

Party preferences in January

2017-12-20

Counter-propaganda does not work

Our interview with Dr. Ylja Yablokov about his upcoming book, entitled Fortress Russia – Conspiracy Theories in Post-Soviet Russia.

2017-12-20

Refugees, Asylum and Migration Issues in Hungary

Study on the Orbán Government’s rhetoric and policy measures with regard to refugee, asylum and migration issues

2017-12-20

The Year of Rearrangement - The Populist Right and the Far-Right in Contemporary Hungary

A study on the activities of the populist right and the far-right in Hungary in 2017

2017-11-20

Political Capital launched a project under the Europe for Citizens Programme

A project for debating euroscepticism in Hungary

2017-11-20

Exit, Voice or Loyalty?

Young people on Europe and democracy. Case studies from AT, CZ, DE, HU, PL and SK

2017-11-08

The future of Visegrád in the shadow of illiberalism and the EU’s macropolitical environment

A study by Political Capital.

2017-10-19

Van remény? A V4-ek aktív állampolgárai

A Forum 2000 Festival of Democracy 2017 rendezvénysorozatának keretében a Cseh Centrum és a Political Capital a STEM és a Visegrad Fund közreműködésével kerekasztal-beszélgetést szervez az aktív állampolgárság, állampolgári részvétel aktuális kérdéseiről.

2017-10-18

Visegrad– Democratic and foreign policy challenges

Joint conference of Political Capital and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung

2017-10-13

Do we need the Euro? Should we belong to the core of Europe? – Conference

What is the role of Hungary in the changing European Union? Do we want the Euro in Hungary? These questions were discussed first by politicians and then by economic experts on a conference organised by Political Capital.

2017-10-12

Does Russia interfere in Czech, Austrian and Hungarian elections?

Our analysis sums up the Kremlin’s meddling possibilities in the CEE region

2017-10-11

The new relationship of politics and media - the case of Hungary

A study by Political Capital

2017-09-30

Report on Xenophobia, Radicalism and Hate Crime in Hungary in 2016

A report by Ildikó Barna and Bulcsú Hunyadi

2017-08-29

Putin in Hungary: Strategic negotiations dressed up as sports diplomacy

Flash Report on Putin’s visit.

2017-07-05

The Future of Europe - Comparing public and elite attitudes

Chatham House’s research paper The Future of Europe: Comparing Public and Elite Attitudes examines the crucial divergence in attitudes towards European integration between the general public and an 'elite' group of leaders from business, civil society, journalists and elected officials.

2017-07-04

Citizenship empowerment

Potential for civic participation in the Visegrad 4 countries, 2017 & 2018

2017-06-28

Cas Mudde: The era of big catch-all parties is over

He truly believes there is no other option to defeat Fidesz than for all other parties to work together, through strategic electoral behavior rather than through an electoral coalition. He also claims that as long as the EU leave criticism to words, Orbán is fine, but he wouldn’t survive sustained E

2017-06-16

Fighting back: Liberal Democratic Responses to the Populist Challenge

CEU Center for European Neighborhood Studies, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Policy Solutions and Political Capital cooperated to organise a public debate on populism, which took place at CEU on June 8, 2017

2017-05-24

The political effects of migration-related fake news, disinformation and conspiracy theories - conference

A joint conference of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and Political Capital

2017-05-24

The political effects of migration-related fake news, disinformation and conspiracy theories - study

In this study, we analyse the public discourse about international migration. This is a globally relevant topic, the discussion of which is characterised by the use of fake news, disinformation and conspiracy theories all over the world.

2017-05-08

Thomas Melia: Democracy is in global recession

Viktor Orbán is following Vladimir Putin’s path by trying to dismantle the nascent democratc systems being built in their countries in the wake of the destruction caused by communism and he is trying to isolate Hungary from the community of free states - our interview with Thomas Melia, a former Dep

2017-05-04

Recent Changes in Refugee-Related Policies in Hungary

An analysis on the recent changes in migration related policies

2017-04-28

The activity of pro-Russian extremist groups in Central-Eastern Europe

The year-long regional research project commissioned by Political Capital, covering Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland focuses mainly on the violent ramifications of Russia’s regional influence.

2017-04-20

From Russia with Hate - The activity of pro-Russian extremist hate groups in Central-Eastern Europe

Political Capital’s conference

2017-04-11

Vulnerability Index

How vulnerable are the Visegrad four societies to subversive foreign influence?

2017-03-10

Russia and Europe are facing a civilizational divorce

Our interview with Jānis Bērziņš, the director of the Center for Security and Strategic Research in Riga.

2017-02-15

The state of civil society in the EU and Russia 2016

In 2016, on behalf of the EU-Russia Civil Society Forum Political Capital conducted a research on the state of civil society in Hungary. The report, which was prepared for the first time, covers four EU member states plus Russia.

2017-02-03

Orbán continues to follow Putin’s path

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit on 2 February to Budapest indicates there is a strategic alliance between the two sides, which aims to strengthen „internal opposition” within the European Union trying to cancel sanctions against Russia and weaken European integration.

2017-01-19

Populism and Russian influence in Europe

The joint study of the Washington-based American Enterprise Institute and Political Capital examined the driving forces behind European populism and Russian influence exerted on the main political forces.

2017-01-19

Populism in Europe and Its Russian Love Affair

Populists are increasingly dominating politics in Europe. This paper provides an overview of the populist landscape in Europe, including its history, its ideological underpinnings on both the political left and right, and the factors that have contributed to its resurgence

2016-12-25

Russian disinformation in Central and Eastern Europe

V4 countries are among the main targets of the Kremlin's disinformation campaigns. To demonstrate this, Political Capital, Globsec Policy Institute and the European Values Think Tank launched the bi-weekly Kremlin Watch, which brings the public's attention to Russian propaganda.

2016-11-04

Far-right murder of Hungarian police officer: pro-Russian radicalization in the CEE

The recent murder of a Hungarian police officer by a far-right paramilitary leader in Hungary shed light on the continuing radicalization and destabilization of the region by Russia.

2016-11-04

Russia and the European Far Left

While populist radical right parties in Europe and their connections to Russia are frequently discussed, much less attention is dedicated to the radical left side of the spectrum. This study tries to fill this gap by providing an overview of the political successes of radical left parties.

2016-11-01

Demand for Right-Wing Extremism Index (DEREX)

Political Capital has regularly published its Demand for Right-Wing Extremist (DEREX) index, which is based on the European Social Survey's bi-yearly updated database.

2016-10-28

Report on Xenophobia, Discrimination, Religious Hatred and Aggressive Nationalism in Hungary in 2015

Country report on xenophobia and radical nationalism in Hungary for 2015 by dr. Ildikó Barna, associate professor at Eötvös Lóránd University, and Political Capital’s analyst Bulcsú Hunyadi.

2016-10-03

7 statements about the referendum

The one and a half year-long political campaign, which has been the most expensive one ever in Hungary, was not enough for a valid referendum. The 40% voter turnout shows that the campaign considerably underperformed the governing party’s expectations, the representatives of which had been talking a

2016-09-19

Public and governmental approaches towards TTIP in the V4 countries

The purpose of this study is to analyse the stance of civic and political actors in the Visegrád countries on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

2016-08-10

The Weaponization of Culture: Kremlin’s traditional agenda and the export of values to Central Europe

Political Capital’s most recent study explores the topic of Russian soft power in Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland and Austria.

2016-08-08

Dismantling direct democracy: Referenda in Hungary

With the anti-quota referendum, one of the gravest dangers of illiberal politics seems to be materialising: the leadership’s reaction is making the tools of direct democracy (besides those of representative democracy) meaningless

2016-07-31

The Hungarian government’s refugee campaign in five points

Despite the fact that, based on the latest party preference survey, support for Fidesz has not increased since April, government politicians consider the government’s antiimmigrant campaign a re

2016-07-06

Hungary: Migration trends and political dynamics

This report outlines migration trends and the political dynamics on this issue in Hungary

2016-06-30

Central Europe’s Faceless Strangers: The rise of xenophobia in the region

The brief takes a closer look at xenophobic sentiment in Central Europe, discussing the reasons behind historically high levels, as well as its increase with the European refugee crisis.

2016-05-31

Possibilities to counteract extremist discourse

Short English summary of a project jointly executed by Political Capital Institute, Action and Protection Foundation and media researcher Gábor Bernáth, and supported by the Norwegian NGO Fund. Within the framework of the project we examined what possibilities there are to encourage non-violent and

2016-03-02

The special case of Hungary in the European refugee crisis

Our studies on the domestic aspects of the refugee crisis summarise and evaluate data on migration, analyse its political consequences, and offer a regional outlook on V4 countries.

2016-02-19

What the V4 is not unified in: the relationship with Russia

The Prague summit of the leaders of the Visegrad countries on 15 February and the meeting of the European Council on the 18-19 put the coordinated stance of the V4-group into the spotlight again.

2016-02-08

Focus on Hungary: Refugees, Asylum and Migration

Study on the Orbán Government’s rhetoric and policy measures with regard to refugee, asylum and migration issues

2016-01-31

Egy illiberális vízió eddigi hatásai a magyar politikai berendezkedésre

Egy illiberális vízió eddigi hatásai a magyar politikai berendezkedésre – tanulmány a jelenlegi magyar politikai berendezkedésről és a gyakran kormányzati/kormányfői vízióként meghatározott „illiberá

2016-01-08

The new Hungarian election system’s beneficiaries

The policy paper looks at deficiencies in the election system from the perspective of political interests and wishes to make review recommendations exclusively in cases where a basic election principle is violated or the potential for serious fraud is detected.

2015-12-22

The Kremlin connections of the European far-right

Political Capital Institute has decided to launch a series of publications in order to analyze the pro-Russian standpoint and behavior of far-right actors in various member states more deeply. The first four elements of the series deal with Hungary, Slovakia, France and Greece.

2015-12-13

Marching towards Eurasia

The Kremlin connections of the Slovak far-right

2015-11-09

Trust within Europe

This study summarizes the findings of Political Capital’s research on the nature and tendencies of political trust.

2015-10-31

Report on Xenophobia and Radical Nationalism in Hungary, January-June 2015

Country report on xenophobia and radical nationalism in Hungary for the time period between January-June 2015. In the study, dr. Ildikó Barna, associate professor at Eötvös Lóránd University, and Political Capital’s analyst Bulcsú Hunyadi summarise the key events and developments related to radicali

2015-10-21

Measuring Political Violence

This page presents the results of a two-years-long research project, which focused on the attitudes towards political violence in online and offline context.

2015-07-30

Scaling the Wall

Hungary's Migration Debate - an article by Péter Krekó and Attila Juhász in Foreign Affairs

2015-05-30

Governmental campaign against refugees and migrants in Hungary

As the Hungarian government is losing support while Jobbik is on the rise as its most important challenger, Viktor Orbán is trying to halt the popularity of the far-right party by putting...

2015-05-21

Changing Enemies of the Western far-right: from Immigrants to Europe

The more successful populist, Euro-reject parties in the last few years have shifted their platform’s central pillar from anti-immigration in 2009’s EP election to anti-EU in 2014’s EP election.

2015-05-15

Jobbik’s policy proposals realized by Fidesz: A summary in 10 points

In the last five years Fidesz implemented several measures that were originally part of Jobbik’s program. There are several fields where the rhetoric of Fidesz and Jobbik have converged.

2015-04-16

Votes of the poor - public works and the perils of clean elections

Summary of the study by Átlátszó, K-Monitor, Political Capital and Transparency International Hungary

2015-04-14

"I am Eurasian" - The Kremlin connections of the Hungarian far-right

Political Capital's study on Kremlin's connections to the Hungarian far-right.

2015-04-13

Jobbik won its first individual constituency – reasons and consequences

On April 12, the far-right Jobbik candidate won a by-election in the individual constituency of Tapolca.

2015-02-24

Fidesz’ defeat in Veszprém – causes and consequences

On February 22, in an electoral district in western Hungary, considered as a stronghold for the right, Zoltán Kész, an independent candidate beat his rival representing the ruling party by 9%.

2015-02-18

Putin’s visit to Budapest: demonstration of power, attempts to break EU unity

While we cannot expect that Hungary will be breaking the EU consensus over sanctions alone in the future, Hungary can remain an important member in the club of sanctions-critical EU member states.

2015-02-04

Chancellor Merkel’s visit in Budapest: The Great PR Hoax

From a diplomatic aspect, the joint press conference by the German chancellor and the Hungarian prime minister revealed some disagreements.

2014-10-15

Putin’s Trojan Horses

Russian influence on the European radical scene

2014-10-13

Jobbik extended its influence in the municipalities

Jobbik managed to hold on to the majority of its mayoral seats, 14 of its mayoral candidates won at the municipal election.

2014-10-12

Five statements about the municipal elections

An analysis on the Hungarian municipal elections, held on October 12, 2014.

2014-09-11

Conspiracy theories in Europe: a compilation

This compilation brings together some of the written highlights from our deconspirator project

2014-09-04

The challenge of conspiracy theories – how to enhance critical thinking against the critical thinkers?

Conspiracy theories are extremely helpful for leaders provoking violent conflicts. They simplify the world, victimise the ingroup, diabolise the enemy, and give justification for violence.

2014-08-07

Seven statements about the nature of anti-Semitism in Hungary

In recent years there has been a rise in domestic and international public discourse regarding anti-Semitism in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly Hungary.

2014-06-06

Fidesz overwrites the rules of the municipal elections

Fidesz rewrites the rules in the middle of the game and is ready to change the local election system to suit its own purposes.

2014-05-27

The EU will survive

An analysis on the outcomes of the European Parliamentary elections.

2014-04-07

Hungarian elections: Four more years for Fidesz, Jobbik gains strength

The Hungarian parliamentary election has left only one question open, whether the governing party can retain its two-thirds majority in Parliament or not.

2014-03-31

Mutual benefits: Jobbik ‘s pro-Iranian policy

An analysis on the relationship between Jobbik and Iran.

2014-03-14

The Russian Connection

An analysis on the spread of pro-Russian policies on the European far right

2014-02-20

New Pact for Europe - Strategic Options for Europe’s Future

A Political Capital és Budapesti Nyílt Társadalom Intézet Alapítvány a European Policy Center és a King Baudouin Foundation támogatásával meghívja Önt az Új Egyezményt Európának – Európa jövőjének stratégiai lehetőségei című konferenciára.

2014-02-18

The winner takes it all

Fidesz has implemented the most significant changes in the electoral system since the transition. Below, we summarize the most important changes based on their impact on the electoral results.

2013-12-20

Proliferation of Migration Transition - Selected New EU Member States

A study appeared in the publication of the European Liberal Forum

2013-12-20

The Conspiratorial Mindset in an Age of Transition

Conspiracy Theories in France, Hungary and Slovakia – Survey Results

2013-11-13

New opposition movements in Hungary

There has been a proliferation of ‘new’ opposition movements before and after the 2010 elections. They vary in size, ideology, form, structure and their relationship with party politics.

2013-08-02

New Electoral System in the Home Stretch

An analysis of the effects of the new Hungarian electoral procedure law and the campaign finance law.

2013-05-15

Demokratikus Deficitek az Európai Unióban

A Political Capital Institute és a Friedrich Ebert Alapítvány meghívja Önt a Demokratikus Deficitek az Európai Unióban című konferenciájára.

2013-05-06

The empire of conspiracy: the axiomatic role of antisemitism in the ideology of the Hungarian extreme right

An article by Peter Kreko in the Searchlight Magazine

2013-04-08

Integration of the Roma in Central and Southeastern Europe

Policy recommendations of the European Liberal Forum, in cooperation with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and the Centre for Liberal Studies.

2013-03-08

The Fourth Amendment of the Basic Law: analysis of the consequences

After a number of laws passed by Fidesz-KDNP enjoying a super-majority in Parliament were struck down by the Constitutional Court in the past year, the coalition passed a basic law amendment.

2013-03-01

Era of "monetary unorthodoxy" Begins

With the appointment of the new governor all previously independent state agencies and institutions will be run by people with very close ties to Fidesz and a quasi dependence from the PM himself.

2013-01-09

Fewer obstacles, more campaign

Analysis on the consequences of Constitutional Court’s decision.

2012-12-17

Notes on the current phase of electoral reform in Hungary

With a two-thirds majority in parliament, Hungary’s governing party alliance, Fidesz-KDNP, has created a completely new electoral system.

2012-11-26

Greens divided on political gamble

Analysis: The LMP’s decision and the ‘disillusioned right-wing’ voters

2012-11-19

The chances of Together 2014

Good start, now come the questions and dilemmas.

2012-11-05

Silent no more - Gordon Bajnai’s experimental laboratory

During the 23 October 1956 commemoration both the governing parties and the opposition essentially launched their campaigns a year and a half ahead of the spring 2014 elections.

2012-10-11

How to tackle the far right? Delusions and new Proposals

Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Budapest and Political Capital Institute organized a conference on strategies against right-wing extremism.

2012-08-27

PC is a leading member of the EU Radicalisation Awareness Network

Political Capital has become a leading institution in the EU Radicalisation Awareness Network.

2012-07-10

Job-saving action plan – double or nothing

With the new job-saving action plan the government placed a „double or nothing” bet.

2012-06-06

Government continues to play for time

The government appears to preserve its delaying tactics with regard to negotiations over a credit line with international organizations.

2012-05-24

Party funding and prior registration ahead of the elections

The Fidesz leadership is making further efforts to improve the election prospects of the party.

2012-05-14

Talk of split premature; Jobbik absorbs rivalries

Jobbik county chairman of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, MP Zsolt Endrésik, was removed from the post and then excluded from the party.

2012-04-20

Halfway into the Hungarian electoral reform

Electoral law already passed, law on procedure is still uncertain - Political Capital Institute analyses the reform process of the Hungarian electoral system and its anticipated consequences.

2012-04-10

The conspiracy worldview

Counterpoint, a London based research and advisory group's interview with Peter Kreko, director of Political Capital about contemporary conspiracy theories in Hungary.

2012-03-01

Attitude radicals in Hungary – in international context

The threat of high level of attitude radicals is that a prejudicial, nationalist and anti-establishment public can push mainstream parties and political leaders toward a more radical position.

2012-02-07

Not your typical angry young men

Jobbik Facebook fans young, educated, eurosceptic, pessimistic & prejudiced.

2012-02-01

Populism in Europe: Hungary

Demos and the Political Capital Institute released the first ever study of the Jobbik party’s Facebook fans, based on over 2,000 survey responses.

2012-01-08

The current state of the loan agreement and the options of the government

By now Viktor Orbán has manoeuvred himself into a corner where his options are limited to bad and even worse political choices.

2012-01-02

Hungary: against the wall

The foundering of loan negotiations would definitely leave the Hungarian economy in a catastrophic state with potentially serious domestic political consequences.

2011-11-28

IMF-deal: the stress-test of the Orbán-government

Moody’s downgrade of Hungary’s sovereign debt to ‘junk’ status is a clear sign that the government’s eccentric and “unorthodox” economic policy has proved unsuccessful.

2011-11-22

MOL in Croatia – Lull before the storm

The Croatian government failed to put legal controls on the Hungarian Company’s business share, which means that it will leave the resolution of the problem to the incoming administration.

2011-10-26

New election system: nothing is carved in stone

New election system: nothing is carved in stone

2011-09-08

Radical right in SEE seeks political gains by attacking gay pride parades

In this study we analyze the position of the far right in respect to the gay rights movement with a special focus on Balkan countries aspiring to enter the European Union.

2011-07-26

The political prospects of the radical right in Hungary

Following its mayoral election victory in Gyöngyöspata, Jobbik is guaranteed to make regular references to it and see its policy of generating ethnic tensions in small communities justified.

2011-07-20

New election system in Hungary: under construction

At its July 9 meeting the Fidesz presidency discussed options for a new election system,although no decision has been reached on key issues.

2011-06-27

Gyurcsány’s last grab for control

The infighting among the Socialists has little actual political substance but that does not mean little is at stake. What we are witnessing is a brute battle for power.

2011-05-31

Mol-affair: Foreign policy coup with potentially risky consequences

On May 24, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán unexpectedly, although not without preliminaries, announced: the government acquired the 21.2% stake of Russia’s Surgutneftegaz in MOL for EUR 1.88 billion.

2011-05-23

Government in pensions trap

Almost three million people receive a pension or pension-type allowance. Of those almost one and a half million are below retirement age and claim an allowance based on various legal categories.

2011-05-16

Jobbik needs Jews to run the world

Psychological & political ‘benefit’ of conspiracy theories

2011-05-13

Multiculturalism in the Cross-Hairs

The debate on the social integration of the Muslim minority totalling 5 to 8 per cent of the population has risen to the highest political level in the large receiving countries in Europe.

2011-05-08

The Valence casino case: government’s gamble

Given the political back-story, it should come as no surprise that the Chief Public Prosecution Service has requested that parliament lift former prime minister Ferenc Gyurcsány’s immunity.

2011-05-04

The second season of patrolling in Hungary

Background of recent events in Gyöngyöspata – an In-Depth analysis by Political Capital.

2011-04-26

Squandered opportunity for consolidation

The constitutional set-up did not become socially consolidated following the 1989-90 change of regime.

2011-04-22

Regime Consolidation: A Missed Opportunity

The new constitution in Hungary is not anti-democratic; however, it does harm to the conditions of Hungary’s medium- and long-term political stability.

2011-03-28

Hungary sitting on a powder keg

The Hungarian government faces its toughest challenge with chilling ethnic tensions in the countryside.

2011-03-02

The Spring of Our Discontent

The Hungarian government outlines an ambitious spending-cut package. The destination is clear, but the road is still under construction.

2011-02-15

Orbán's Speech Marks the Start of the Government's Most Difficult Phase

International investors may feel slightly shortchanged by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's state of the nation speech to Parliament February 14.

2011-01-25

Hard times for EU Presidency = hard times for EU

Hungary has prepared for the EU Presidency diligently and succeeded in putting its own topics on the agenda, such as the European Roma Strategy. No one had expected it to be a light run.

2011-01-24

Hungarian legislation following the change in government

The 2011 spring legislative agenda foreshadows a more moderate pace. The government explains it by the heavy workload related to the rotating EU-presidency and the drafting of the new Constitution.

2011-01-11

The Challenge of Hungary's European Union Presidency: Success or failure?

2011 is the year Central Europe took over Brussels. Hungary will be at the helm of EU's rotating presidency for the next six months, to be followed by Poland in the second half of the year.

2011-01-11

Tricky 2011 ahead

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who steamrollered over virtually all obstacles to his rule in 2010, will spend the first part of 2011 navigating the pitfalls of power.

2010-12-22

Anti-Semitism and Anti-Semitic Conspiracy Theories

A Joint Conference by Political Capital Institute and Central European University.

2010-12-13

Wine and Whine: The budding fruits of Hungary’s EU Presidency

As Hungary packs up its Bermuda shorts for a six-month stay at the Brussels beach, it might be fair to ask: What exactly do we expect to get out of this?

2010-12-07

Eastern Europe’s Roma Predicament: Integration or Emigration

Eastern Europe’s Roma, also known as Gypsies, are desperate to break out of the grinding poverty in which many of them live - but they frequently see little hope of doing so in their home countries.

2010-12-01

Az új választási rendszer kilátásai

A kedvező fejlemények mégsem garantálják, hogy a kormánypártokénál szélesebb egyetértés jegyében születik majd meg az új választási rendszer.

2010-11-29

Fidesz phase two: unraveling Orbán's oxymoron

Now that voters have handed PM Viktor Orbán what amounts to a blank cheque to govern, he is ready to begin the second phase of his governance: cleaning up the budget mess and spurring economic growth

2010-11-16

Far right veering off the rails

Jobbik infighting, identity crisis throw wet blanket on far-right surge

2010-11-08

Half-success: Budget deficit aims 3%

Key Political Trends: Half-success: Budget deficit aims 3%; Restricting the jurisdiction of the Constitutional Court; Ferenc Gyurcsány’s two-front battle against Fidesz and the MSZP leadership

2010-11-05

Evaluating the 2011 Budget

Hungary’s draft budget for 2011 aims to keep the deficit at less than 3% of GDP, meeting the Maastricht criteria for euro adoption for the first time since 1995.

2010-11-02

The bank tax in Europe and Hungary

While currently it appears to be a success story from an economic and political point alike, the introduction of the bank tax presents significant risks already in the medium term.

2010-10-28

Constitutional Court Curtailed: Good news for fiscal balance, bad for democracy

Hungary’s governing Fidesz party initiated an unprecedented effort October 26 to strip the Constitutional Court – Hungary’s final authority on legislative questions – of a number of powers.

2010-10-27

Budapest’s New Mayor May Expand Public Control over City Utilities

István Tarlós, the governing Fidesz party’s brand-new mayor of Budapest, announced plans for a swift and wide-ranging review of private companies’ ownership contracts in city utilities.

2010-10-18

Legal legacy of the sludge catastrophe

Unexpected crises are moments that can make or break political leaders. They either flounder around for solutions or rise to the occasion.

2010-10-13

The political consequences of the red sludge catastrophe in Hungary

On October 4, a waste reservoir at an aluminum plant burst its banks, unleashing some 700,000 cubic meters of red sludge. The government has responded to the crisis in the most popular way possible.

2010-10-04

Hungary’s Local Elections: Fidesz Clobbers Opponents

Fidesz, which leads the strongest government since 1990, has reached all of its political goals by extending its power over most municipalities.

2010-09-16

Anti-Immigrant Prejudice in Central and Eastern Europe

Political Capital's analysis on attitudes toward migrants in Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Poland.

2010-09-14

Fidesz ready to leap final hurdle to hegemony

Barring a catastrophe on the scale of an extraterrestrial invasion, the governing Fidesz party will demolish all comers in the 3 October municipal elections.

2010-09-03

Hungary Faces Increasing Pressure from Abroad

Fidesz’s changes to the election law have made it hard for politicians to run for Budapest mayor.

2010-07-20

IMF Casts Doubt on Hungary’s Fiscal Strategy

Although Hungary currently has no urgent need for outside financing, the IMF loan served as a safety net should the country find itself in a tight spot.

2010-07-20

Hungarian-Slovak Network to Reset Political Dialogue

Political analysts, researchers and members of civil organisations in Slovakia and Hungary have created an open network to stimulate dialogue on issues that affect the entire Visegrad region.

2010-07-12

Fidesz & hubrisz

The biggest political calamities are sometimes the consequence of the most obvious political mistakes. This may be the case with the new Declaration of National Cooperation.

2010-07-08

Deeply Unhealthy

Economist: „A commendably thorough paper from Political Capital, a Budapest-based research outfit, highlights the mess the new government has inherited and the unrealistic nature of its promises"

2010-06-11

Back by popular demand

Demand for Right-Wing Extremism (DEREX) Index

2010-06-09

Hungary Faces Mounting Risks of Corruption, Prejudice and Press Restrictions

Hungary’s 2010 Political Risk Index (PRI) score is 66 points – the first year the country’s political risk has declined since the index began in 2005.

2010-06-08

Orbán’s New Action Plan Will Help Hungary Maintain Its Strong Fiscal Position

Concerns about whether Hungary’s new government will loosen budgetary discipline appear to have been laid to rest.

2010-06-05

Hungarian Govt Plans Drastic Response to HUF Crisis

Political Capital expects the Hungarian government reacts to the crisis fast and will announce austerity measures to stabilize the budget and the exchange rate.

2010-05-28

Dual citizenship poses risks only in Slovak and Hungarian relations

In respect to the stability of the region as a whole political risks will not increase significantly due to the preferential naturalization of ethnic Hungarians living outside state borders.

2010-05-10

Personalties & policy

The day after Fidesz scooped up 68 per cent of the seats in Parliament, Prime Minister-designate Viktor Orbán took aim at Hungarian National Bank Governor András Simor.

2010-04-28

Fidesz vs. Hungarian National Bank: A three-month skirmish or a three-year war?

Hungarian Prime Minister-in-waiting Viktor Orbán, whose Fidesz party won an unprecedented 68% of seats in Parliament, urgently wants to replace Hungarian central bank Governor András Simor.

2010-04-26

Hungary will have its Strongest Government since the Transition

With 68% of the seats in Parliament, Hungarian Prime Minister-in-waiting Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz party will be able to form the most stable government Hungary has had since the transitio

2010-04-26

An economic house divided

Fidesz, the party that scored an unassailable majority Hungary’s parliament this month, may discover that it has pitched its tent too wide.

2010-04-12

Fidesz is Very Close to a Two-Thirds Majority in Parliament

Results from the first round of Hungary’s general elections on April 11 have made it clear that Fidesz will have an absolute majority in the next Parliament.

2010-04-11

Jobbik Scores Big in Hungary’s Parliamentary Election: Now what?

The ultra right-wing Jobbik party’s successful performance in the first round of Hungary’s general election may come as a shock, but it is no surprise.

2010-03-26

Fidesz treads lightly on budget deficit in election manifesto

As Fidesz gets closer to governance, its politicians are becoming more and more cautious when talking about their program. Fidesz’s policy wonks are putting less emphasis on stimulating the economy.

2010-03-23

Fidesz Prepares for Governance with a Market-Friendly Program

Fidesz, which had been pursuing a strategy of “tactical reticence” in its campaign communications, recently released its election manifesto entitled “The Politics of National Affairs.”

2010-03-03

The impact of the Greek crisis on Hungary

Hungary, which was close to bankruptcy at the end of 2008, made brutal spending cuts. The Greek government meanwhile responded to the crisis with lavishly spending money that it did not have.

2010-03-02

Of Programs and Popularity

Fidesz continues to dominate the polls, regardless of accusations that it does not have a program. The Socialists are pushing a more populist tone in order to mobilize their traditional voters.

2010-02-12

BKV: End of the line for the teflon party

Give credit to the governing Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP)’s PR people. They helped transform Gyula Horn into the man who the greatest number of Hungarians wanted to be prime minister in 1994.

2010-02-10

A Two-Thirds Majority for Fidesz – Chances, Opportunities and Risks

The opposition Fidesz party is heading into the April election campaign with such a commanding opinion-poll lead that it may gain a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

2010-02-03

Socialist woes in Hungary

The Socialists and the governments suffered numerous setbacks. The property tax has been abolished, more and more heads roll at BKV and the party's poll numbers failed to improve.

2010-01-21

In pre-election spending they trust

Hungary is still catching its breath from its near-miraculous feat of finishing 2009 at the target budget deficit of 3.9% of GDP, but investor applause is muted.

2010-01-19

The election campaign is heating up in Hungary

The president is expected to announce the dates of the 2010 general election in late January, with the first round likely to fall on April 11 and the second on April 25.

2009-12-21

Hungarian Parties Gearing Up for Campaign

Most Hungarian parties have finished their preparations for the election campaign, and the political debate next year will be dominated by the quest for votes.

2009-12-08

2010 Budget Passed in Hungary

The smooth passage of the 2010 budget marks the beginning of the end for the Bajnai cabinet. The budget was the government’s last major hurdle.

2009-11-11

Most Significant Risk Factors that Could Hinder Economic Recovery in Hungary

Large inactive population, high and badly structured state redistribution, corruption, possible ethnic tensions and the emergence of the far-right are the key risk factors in Hungary.

2009-11-02

Political meddling - backroom agreement over commercial radio stations

The cancellation of the operating licenses of two commercial radio stations and granting these to new operators affiliated with MSZP and Fidesz represents gross and blatant interference in the media.

2009-10-28

Reasons behind the resurgence of the far right

A joint statement by the Hungarian Anti-Racist Foundation and Political Capital

2009-10-26

The Suez affair in Hungary: Fidesz and the foreign investors

The decision of the Fidesz-led municipal government to unilaterally terminate a contract with French Suez Environnement, minority owner of the municipal water works in Pécs raise political risks.

2009-10-19

Conflicts within MSZP consolidate the Hungarian PM's position

The break-up of the Budapest MSZP-SZDSZ coalition will not have a tangible effect on the passage of the 2010 budget, a majority of the SZDSZ faction in Parliament is expected to support the budget.

2009-09-24

Passing the budget is the key to success for the Hungarian government

In the coming period, the government’s success depends on the passage of the 2010 budget, fundamentally accepted by international investors, as well as adherence to key 2009 budget figures.

2009-09-11

2010 budget passage is all but certain in Hungary

In light of key figures the 2010 budget is not going to fall prey to the upcoming election campaign; it is a tough austerity budget proposing to cut spending to the tune of HUF 400 billion.

2009-08-27

Elections in Hungary Overshadowed by Constitutional Problems

Parliamentary elections to be held in the spring of 2010 carry constitutional and political risks due to an outdated election system.

2009-07-17

Hungarian Guard banned

The dissolution of the Hungarian Guard may radicalize and mobilize the far right.

2009-07-09

Chances for Early Elections in Hungary Diminished

With the passage of the tax bill, the chances of early elections in Hungary have diminished. Having implemented almost all components of a short-term crisis management program, it is now in a vacuum.

2009-06-16

Unstability Follows EP Elections in Hungary

Major conflicts are ahead, and the government's fate hinges on the tax bill vote in Parliament.

2009-06-14

Dissolution of the Hungarian Guard may radicalize and mobilize the far right

The dissolution of the Hungarian Guard could be an efficient tool for the law enforcement bodies to fight against extremism in Hungary.

2009-05-15

Huge Opposition Victory in Pécs, Hungary

MSZP suffered a staggering defeat in the mayoral elections of Pécs, and that can be seen as an indicator to the EP elections.

2009-05-05

Devaluation of real estate funds could destabilize the Hungarian mortgage market

The flight of capital from real estate funds is expected to persist and accelerate. Banks’ eminent interest is to prevent the meltdown of the mortgage market.

2009-04-29

New Hungarian PM, New Program

The new Bajnai government's program was well received, but it can alter public opinion for the worse before the European parliamentary elections.

2009-04-21

New Hungarian Government Starts Long Awaited Spending Cuts

The newly formed Bajnai-government in Hungary has released its crisis-management plans to curb the budget deficit and counterweight the effects of the global financial crisis.

2009-04-07

Gordon Bajnai to Become the New Hungarian PM

Last week the chances for an early election considerably diminished, its not in anyone's interest. Gordon Bajnai will most certainly become the new PM.

2009-04-03

Hungary: Breaking up with the region?

On the 4th of March the Hungarian currency began to fall, contrary to the rising currencies of other national currencies region. After a sudden fall the EUR/HUF rate reached the limit of 312.

2009-03-30

New PM candidate plans serious austerity measures in Hungary

After Gordon Bajnai has received the support from both the majority of MSZP and SZDSZ factions, it is very likely that he can be the successor of Ferenc Gyurcsány.

2009-03-23

Hungary: what’s next?

Following de facto resignation of the Prime Minister of Hungary there are two likely scenarios: 1) early elections or 2) a new government supported by the socialist MSZP and the liberal SZDSZ.

2009-02-13

Anti-Roma sentiment is getting out of hand in Hungary

The process that started in the autumn of 2006 with the Olaszliszka lynching seems to be completing its course. Political discourse on the Roma question has swung from one extreme to the other.

2009-02-02

The Crisis of the Hungarian Socialist Party

Tensions within the Socialist Party are rising, both generational and ideological. The stability of the is not yet affected, but the real test will be the passing of the 2010 budget later this year.

2008-12-12

The Crisis Stays in the Center of Hungarian Politics

The economic crisis has the government with little room for maneuvering until the 2010 election. Fidesz seems to have abandoned hopes for an early election and plans on taking over in 2010.

2008-12-05

Can Hungary become a bioethanol superpower?

Biofuels production offers an economic growth potential for Hungary in the short- and medium term, moreover, first-generation biofuels may utilize annual surpluses of agricultural production.

2008-11-03

The political consequences of the financial crisis in Hungary

The financial rescue package has restored the confidence in the Hungarian economy and currency in the short run. However, there is a risk that the crisis will amplify the existing deficiencies.

2008-10-08

Resurgent Hungarian Prime Minister, Paralysed MSZP

In the past few weeks Ferenc Gyurcsány’s position has stabilized somewhat. The „spy scandal” will remain the most important political topic in the coming period.

2008-09-04

Hungarian PM's Fate Hinges on the 2009 Budget

The fate of Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány and the minority government will be determined by the two major issues before Parliament this fall: the tax legislation and the budget.

2008-08-27

Hungarian PM announces cautious autumn agenda

The PM offers a tax cut deal in the following four years, but only in line with the convergence program and only if there is extra income deriving from a much more transparent taxation culture.

2008-08-27

Hungarian PM announces cautious autumn agenda

The PM offers a tax cut deal in the following four years, but only in line with the convergence program and only if there is extra income deriving from a much more transparent taxation culture.

2008-08-21

The Apollo-affair: Fidesz and the “alien capitalists”

The Apollo-affair and the attacks against Hankook reveal the contradictions in the political strategy of Fidesz: the conflict between the opposition position and the pre-government position.

2008-08-18

In Wait for an Action Plan in Hungary

The government will reveal its action plan for Parliament’s autumn session in late August or early September. SZDSZ will decide on whether or not to support the government after they have seen it.

2008-07-31

Hungarian Socialists: Back to Bottom

The rise in MSZP’s approval rating last month proved to be a temporary one, so they face the same problems that they had in the spring.

2008-06-13

Hungarian Opposition Courting Economic Actors

Fidesz is consciously courting economic players, preparing for an early election. The presidential election of SZDSZ has failed to produce a stable situation in the party.

2008-06-11

Fidesz and economic policy risks

While the detailed economic policy of Fidesz leaders cannot be foreseen from their declarations, it became obvious that the next government also will have a tight room for economic maneuvering.

2008-06-02

Tension grows between the NBH and the political elite

The National Bank of Hungary (NBH) was criticized by both the Hungarian government and the opposition after increasing the interest rate. We expect the political pressure to increase in the future.

2008-05-27

Shrinking Manouvring Room of Hungarian PM

The political environment is becoming less and less advantageous to the government. Fidesz has started a campaign that is aimed at attacking the government on economic grounds.

2008-05-16

‘State dependence’ of Hungarians is a major block to economic growth

Economic and political processes in Hungary are extensively influenced by voters’ anti-market and anti-competition sentiments. This has a considerably negative effect on competitiveness

2008-05-08

Hungarian PM's Position Stabilized

Ferenc Gyurcsány's position has stabilized for the moment, it can only be maintained if he is successful in garnering parliamentary support for the proposals of the minority government.

2008-04-22

The implications of a European slowdown for Hungary

The US subprime crisis will substantially reduce economic growth in the US and in Europe. As a result, Hungarian exports will likely decline and reduce the chances of a healthy economic growth.

2008-04-18

Instability in Hungary Due to the Results of the Referendum

The new government is not likely to initiate reforms and it will possibly enact popular measures to cater former MSZP voters. Ferenc Gyurcsány's has significantly weakened, but he has no alternative.

2008-04-04

HUF’s vulnerability rising

The consequences of the 9 March referendum and the ongoing coalition crisis have sharply raised the vulnerability of the Hungarian currency (

2008-04-01

Coalition break-up: Short-term political forecast (valid only for 2 months)

Following the referendum the position of the PM has become unstable, the coalition tensions have risen.Hence the risky moves of the Prime Minister in the last days.

2008-03-21

Refrendum a Major Defeat of the Government of Hungary

While the results of the referendum is a big defeat of the government, reshuffle is not expected in the next few months, but policy changes will follow.

2008-03-12

Political risk in Hungary increased by the referendum

The referendum on 9th March is exceptional, since democratic countries rarely hold referenda on the abolition of point-of-delivery charges for health care and of university tuition fees.

2008-03-05

Hungarian Parties Have Seemingly Moved Beyond the Referendum

Ferenc Gyurcsány tried to undermine the last push of Fidesz by announcing potentially popular initiatives, while Fidesz tries to win voters in the political centre.

2008-02-20

Hungarian Parties Trying to Assess the Referendum in Advance

The parties are trying to present the referendum according to their priorities. Whatever the result, major political shift is not expected in the short term.

2008-01-28

Referendum Campaign Preparations in Hungary

Parties are preparing their campaign for the referendum on 9 March. The result will alter the strategies of the government and the opposition as well.

2007-12-17

Political Risk in Hungary has increased due to actions of the Hungarian Guard

The Political Risk of Hungary and the region has increased in the previous months because of the actions of the Hungarian Guard (Magyar Gárda).

2007-07-02

Gains for the Hungarian Left

Ferenc Gyurcsány’s position as the head of the government and MSZP has improved. SZDSZ has also strengthened, which could make it a possible ally to FIDESZ in seeking early elections.

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