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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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