Hungarian Elections 2006
Where are the nationalists?
In many former parts of the Eastern Block, nationalist parties gained ground after the Democratic Transition, and in some countries they are still part of the government. But what happened to them in Hungary? People last heard of MIÉP, the biggest Hungarian nationalist party when it led a campaign against the NATO membership of Hungary. They did not make it to the Parliament four years ago, but for the upcoming elections, according to common sense, they should be on the move. So where are they?Hungary, and its public opinion in recent years have undergone some changes, making the work of nationalist parties, such as MIÉP, extremely hard. Unwary Hungarians slowly embraced Globalization, accepted the presence of foreign corporations in Hungary, and even started to like them. This undermines the major "frontline" where nationalists usually strike, that is, Hungary is owned by Hungarians. When people actually like the economy that includes foreign elements, with higher quality of goods, growing number of jobs, and a more diverse range of products and services, it is very hard to succeed with a campaign saying foreigners are the enemy.
Nonetheless, MIÉP still survives. They are working on a smaller scale than ever before, trying to get individuals onto their side instead of the great masses of Hungarian public. It is likely that they will not be able to gain enough support this way until the elections of April 2006. Not getting into the Parliament once is a crisis for a party like MIÉP. But not getting into the Parliament twice is more like a death sentence, probably well deserved in an international environment.
Hungarian elections 2006 - Attacks on Politicians
Hungarian elections 2006 - Hunt for the Elderly Lady of FIDESZ
Hungarian elections 2006 - Pisti Kovács is face of campaign and biggest success of SZDSZ
Hungarian elections 2006 - Do Hungarians live worse than four years ago?
Hungarian elections 2006 - Where are the nationalists?
Hungarian elections 2006 - The chances of smaller parties
Hungarian elections 2006 - Is Centrum Party a force to be reckoned with?
Hungarian elections 2006 - The second wave of posters
Hungarian elections 2006 - The last week of the campaign
Was life in Hungary was better during the Communism?
