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Hungarian Politics in 2023
2024-01-18

Hungarian Politics in 2023

“Hungarian Politics in 2023”, the annual review of Policy Solutions has been published.

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Hungarian Politics in 2023 - Book launch and panel discussion on the prospects in 2024
2024-01-08

Hungarian Politics in 2023 - Book launch and panel discussion on the prospects in 2024

We cordially invite you to the official book launch of “Hungarian Politics in 2023”, an annual review of Policy Solutions. The event will take place on 19 January at Aranytíz Kultúrház.

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Hopes, Aspirations and Fears - A Comprehensive Survey of Hungarians in 2023
2023-11-23

Hopes, Aspirations and Fears - A Comprehensive Survey of Hungarians in 2023

This research aims to explore the major hopes and fears of the Hungarian society in 2023.

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Conference: Hopes, Aspirations and Fears in Hungary
2023-11-14

Conference: Hopes, Aspirations and Fears in Hungary

Book launch of “Hopes, Aspirations and Fears – A Comprehensive Survey of Hungarians in 2023” – a new publication by Policy Solutions. The event will take place on 23 November 2023.

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New Book: The Social Democratic Parties in the Visegrád countries
2023-07-02

New Book: The Social Democratic Parties in the Visegrád countries

This book, edited by Ania Skrzypek, FEPS Director for Research and Training, and András Bíró-Nagy, Director at Policy Solutions, and published by Palgrave Macmillan, analyses three decades of political developments within the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia.

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Conference: The World Through Hungarian Eyes
2023-05-28

Conference: The World Through Hungarian Eyes

Book launch of “The World Through Hungarian Eyes: Foreign Policy Attitudes in Hungary in 2023” – a new publication by Policy Solutions. The event will take place on 8 June 2023.

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Youth Study 2023 - Personal optimism, national pessimism, trust in Europe
2023-03-13

Youth Study 2023 - Personal optimism, national pessimism, trust in Europe

This publication - co-authored by Policy Solutions director András Bíró-Nagy - offers a wealth of insights into the values and attitudes of young people aged 15-29 in Central and Eastern Europe.

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Hungarian Politics in 2022
2023-01-20

Hungarian Politics in 2022

“Hungarian Politics in 2022”, the annual review of Policy Solutions has been published.

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Hungarian Politics in 2022 - Book launch and panel discussion on the prospects in 2023
2023-01-11

Hungarian Politics in 2022 - Book launch and panel discussion on the prospects in 2023

We cordially invite you to the official book launch of “Hungarian Politics in 2022”, an annual review of Policy Solutions. The event will take place on 20 January at Budapest Music Center.

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Post-COVID Hungary
2022-11-18

Post-COVID Hungary

This comprehensive research reveals how Hungarian society views the two and a half years of the COVID-19 crisis. We have looked in detail at the long-term effects of the pandemic on Hungarians' fears, health attitudes, lifestyle, work and mental health.

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Conference: Post-COVID Hungary
2022-11-09

Conference: Post-COVID Hungary

Book launch of “Post-COVID Hungary” – a new publication by Policy Solutions. The event will take place on 18 November 2022.

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Hungary's Political Compass 2022
2022-10-22

Hungary's Political Compass 2022

This Policy Solutions research measured the degree to which different worldviews are represented in Hungarian society. We not only looked at how Hungarians feel about a wide range of issues after the 2022 elections, but also at what has changed over the course of the last four years.

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Conference: Hungary's Political Compass 2022
2022-10-15

Conference: Hungary's Political Compass 2022

Book launch of “Hungary's Political Compass 2022” – a new publication by Policy Solutions. The event will take place on 21 October 2022.

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Progressive Governance Summit 2022
2022-10-13

Progressive Governance Summit 2022

Policy Solutions is the official Hungarian partner of Progressive Governance Summit. Rewatch the highlights of Europe's largest conference for progressive politics!

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Divided Hungary - Political polarization of the Hungarian society
2022-07-03

Divided Hungary - Political polarization of the Hungarian society

This publication by Policy Solutions reveals the state of political polarization in Hungary after the 2022 parliamentary elections.

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Who's who in the fifth Orbán government
2022-07-03

Who's who in the fifth Orbán government

Which ministers belong to PM Orbán's innermost circle? What do we need to know about the new faces and the returning ministers? Policy Solutions analysis.

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Conference: Divided Hungary - Political polarization of the Hungarian society
2022-06-23

Conference: Divided Hungary - Political polarization of the Hungarian society

Book launch of “Divided Hungary: Political polarization of the Hungarian society after the 2022 general elections” – a new publication by Policy Solutions. The event will take place on 30 June 2022.

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Hungarian parliamentary elections 2022
2022-04-11

Hungarian parliamentary elections 2022

Policy Solutions analysis about the reasons behind the re-election of Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party.

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Hungarian Politics in 2021
2022-01-19

Hungarian Politics in 2021

“Hungarian Politics in 2021”, the annual review of Policy Solutions has been published.

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Hungary's Anxiety Map 2021
2021-05-25

Hungary's Anxiety Map 2021

This publication explores the major anxieties and fears of the Hungarian society.

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Covid-19 and Crisis Management: How Hungarians Experienced the Past Year
2021-04-09

Covid-19 and Crisis Management: How Hungarians Experienced the Past Year

We cordially invite you to the online book launch of “Covid-19 and Crisis Management: How Hungarians Experienced the Past Year”, a joint publication by Policy Solutions and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung. The event will take place on 22 April 2021.

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Hungarian Politics in 2020
2021-01-21

Hungarian Politics in 2020

“Hungarian Politics in 2020”, a joint annual review of Policy Solutions and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung has been published.

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Hungarian Politics in 2020 – Book launch and panel discussion on the prospects in 2021
2021-01-12

Hungarian Politics in 2020 – Book launch and panel discussion on the prospects in 2021

We cordially invite you to the official online book launch of “Hungarian Politics in 2020”, a joint annual review of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and Policy Solutions.

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State of Populism in Europe 2020
2020-09-01

State of Populism in Europe 2020

Our joint yearbook with FEPS on the state of populism in Europe has been published.

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Populism: is it transforming Europe's politics?
2020-06-30

Populism: is it transforming Europe's politics?

We cordially invite you to our upcoming Webinar "Populism: is it transforming Europe's politics?", which will be held on Zoom on Thursday, 2nd July 2020, 15:30 – 17:00 CET.

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30 years on – Public opinion on the regime change in Hungary
2020-06-03

30 years on – Public opinion on the regime change in Hungary

The aim of this research was to explore the views of the Hungarian society about the regime change of 1989-1990 after 30 years.

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Orbán 10 - How do Hungarians see the 10 years of Orbán government?
2020-04-21

Orbán 10 - How do Hungarians see the 10 years of Orbán government?

This new Policy Solutions-FES publication reveals what the Hungarian society thinks about the last ten years of the Orbán government.

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Hungarian Politics in 2019
2020-01-24

Hungarian Politics in 2019

“Hungarian Politics in 2019”, a joint annual review of Policy Solutions and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung has been published.

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Hungarian Politics in 2019 – Book launch and panel discussion on the prospects in 2020
2020-01-10

Hungarian Politics in 2019 – Book launch and panel discussion on the prospects in 2020

We cordially invite you to the official book launch of “Hungarian Politics in 2019”, a joint annual review of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and Policy Solutions.

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Dissatisfied voters in Hungary
2019-07-18

Dissatisfied voters in Hungary

New Policy Solutions research on the main concerns of dissatisfied voters and their assessment about the work of the governing parties and the opposition.

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The State of Populism in Europe 2018
2019-03-14

The State of Populism in Europe 2018

The FEPS and Policy Solutions website of reference, the Populism Tracker sees four years of existence. This rich material is then collected in a yearly publication that we have the pleasure to share with you – "The State of Populism in Europe 2018".

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New book: Progressive Answers to Populism
2019-02-17

New book: Progressive Answers to Populism

The central objective of this book is to offer potential and effective answers to NGOs, politicians or anyone who wants to counter populism.

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Hungarian Politics in 2018
2019-01-18

Hungarian Politics in 2018

“Hungarian Politics in 2018”, a joint annual review of Policy Solutions and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung has been published.

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Hungarian Politics in 2018 - Book launch and panel discussion on the prospects in 2019
2019-01-09

Hungarian Politics in 2018 - Book launch and panel discussion on the prospects in 2019

We cordially invite you to the official book launch of “Hungarian Politics in 2018”, a joint annual review of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and Policy Solutions.

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The Hungarian Fear
2018-08-01

The Hungarian Fear

In their most recent research study, Policy Solutions and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung have sought to find out how pervasive and dominant a sense of fear is in Hungarian society.

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Springtime for Populism - State of Populism in January-March 2018
2018-05-24

Springtime for Populism - State of Populism in January-March 2018

The most recent report on populism in Europe by FEPS and Policy Solutions has just been published.

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New book: "The State of Populism in Europe - 2017"
2018-04-16

New book: "The State of Populism in Europe - 2017"

This FEPS - Policy Solutions - FES Budapest book surveys the popularity and influence of populist parties in the EU in 2017. Readers can also learn in more detail about the state of populism in five EU countries where elections were held last year.

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Hungarian Politics in 2017
2018-01-19

Hungarian Politics in 2017

“Hungarian Politics in 2017”, a joint annual review of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and Policy Solutions has been published.

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Conference - Hungarian Politics in 2017 - Book launch and panel discussion on the prospects in 2018
2018-01-09

Conference - Hungarian Politics in 2017 - Book launch and panel discussion on the prospects in 2018

We cordially invite you to the official book launch of “Hungarian Politics in 2017”, a joint annual review of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and Policy Solutions. Date and time of the event: 19 January 2018 (Friday), 10:00-12:00. Venue: Aranytíz Cultural Center (1051 Budapest, Arany János utca 10.)

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What is the Hungarian Dream?
2017-10-25

What is the Hungarian Dream?

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Budapest and Policy Solutions cordially invite you to their joint book launch event, entitled: What is the Hungarian Dream? Conference on the Hungarians’ vision of a desirable future

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„The Flexible Solidarity”  - How Progressive Parties Handled the Migration Crisis in Central Europe 
2017-10-05

„The Flexible Solidarity”  - How Progressive Parties Handled the Migration Crisis in Central Europe 

The Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) and the Policy Solutions political research institute cordially invite you to our joint conference entitled:  „The Flexible Solidarity”  - How Progressive Parties Handled the Migration Crisis in Central Europe 

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Fighting Back: Liberal Democratic Responses to the Populist Challenge
2017-06-01

Fighting Back: Liberal Democratic Responses to the Populist Challenge

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Budapest, CEU Center for European Neighborhood Studies, Policy Solutions and Political Capital cordially invite you to their joint conference, entitled: ‘Fighting Back: Liberal Democratic Responses to the Populist Challenge’.

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New book: The State of Populism in Europe in 2016
2017-03-12

New book: The State of Populism in Europe in 2016

The new study of Policy Solutions and FEPS surveys the popularity and the influence of populist parties in the EU’s 28 Member States in 2016. In this new book, we examine the countries in which populist parties were able to achieve real breakthroughs, and those in which they caused ‘more smoke than fire.’

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New study: Political discrimination in Hungary
2017-02-27

New study: Political discrimination in Hungary

Although political and other types of discrimination are severely prohibited by Hungarian laws, and freedom of expression is a right laid down in the new constitution, it is not uncommon for the Hungarian government to retaliate against those with opposing views – highlights Policy Solutions in its new analysis.

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Hungarian Politics in 2016
2017-01-22

Hungarian Politics in 2016

“Hungarian Politics in 2016”, a joint annual review of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and Policy Solutions has been published.

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Conference - Hungarian Politics in 2016 - Book launch and panel discussion on the prospects in 2017
2017-01-15

Conference - Hungarian Politics in 2016 - Book launch and panel discussion on the prospects in 2017

We cordially invite you to the official book launch of “Hungarian Politics in 2016”, a joint annual review of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and Policy Solutions. Date and time of the event: 20 January 2017 (Friday), 10:00-12:00. Venue: Budapest Music Center, Library (1093 Budapest, Mátyás utca 8.)

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Comparing the positions of the Hungarian Government and Hungarian parties in the EP on symbolic European issues
2016-11-23

Comparing the positions of the Hungarian Government and Hungarian parties in the EP on symbolic European issues

Although Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán is in the frontline of the fight against the current direction of the EU, the EU Parliamentarians of his Fidesz party share a more “European” view, as they still vote in line with the European People’s Party on symbolic issues – a new study conducted by VoteWatch and Policy Solutions highlights. Interesting case studies include Russia, in which, despite Viktor Orbán urge to end the punishment of Moscow, Fidesz MEPs still rejected a proposal that would have stopped sanctions against Russia.

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Invitation: Conference on the State of Populism in Hungary and the EU.
2016-11-15

Invitation: Conference on the State of Populism in Hungary and the EU.

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and Policy Solutions cordially invite you to their joint conference: ‘The State of Populism in the EU and Hungary in 2016’. The objective of our conference to forecast the political changes in Europe based on the trends of populism in 2016. We will also investigate the similarities and the differences between the Hungarian and the western European populism.

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New journal article: Central European MEPs as Agents of two Principals.
2016-11-01

New journal article: Central European MEPs as Agents of two Principals.

A new paper entitled "Central European MEPs as Agents of two Pincipals. Party cohesion in the European Parliament after Enlargement" has been published by András Bíró-Nagy in the European Quarterly of Political Attitudes and Mentalities.

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PS-FEPS’ new Populism Tracker website was presented in Brussels
2016-10-03

PS-FEPS’ new Populism Tracker website was presented in Brussels

The Populism Tracker is a comprehensive website that aims at observing the trends of populism in all the Member States of the European Union. The website allows readers to track the popularity of all European populist parties on the Populism Map, analyse the trends with the help of the continuously updated Populism Graph, and read the studies, researches and analyses on populism published by Policy Solutions, FEPS and their partners.

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Invitation: „How are Populist Movements attracting Millennials and why?”
2016-09-22

Invitation: „How are Populist Movements attracting Millennials and why?”

Policy Solutions and the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) cordially invite you to their joint event, entitled: “Politics and Leadership: How are Populist Movements attracting Millennials and why?”

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Publication and conference: „The Political Background of the Refugee Crisis in Europe”
2016-07-25

Publication and conference: „The Political Background of the Refugee Crisis in Europe”

​An international conference was held by Policy Solutions and the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) on 2 June 2016 in Brussels on the political background of the refugee crisis. The purpose of this joint conference was to review how politicians and the society in central and eastern Europe have responded to the current refugee crisis.

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Political values of the Millennial Generation in the Central and the Eastern European region
2016-05-20

Political values of the Millennial Generation in the Central and the Eastern European region

The Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) and Policy Solutions have published their joint study to present the regional results of the Millennial Dialogue international youth research.

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‘Képviselőfigyelő’ - a portal monitoring the work of Members of the Hungarian Parliament
2016-05-20

‘Képviselőfigyelő’ - a portal monitoring the work of Members of the Hungarian Parliament

Policy Solutions has launched a new website with the title ‘Képviselőfigyelő’ that follows the work of representatives in the Hungarian Parliament, making the work of the institution more transparent and easier to check on.

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Hungarian Politics in 2015
2016-01-21

Hungarian Politics in 2015

This publication is a comprehensive overview of developments, events and trends in Hungary in 2015. It focuses on four broad areas.

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Hungarian Politics in 2015 - Book launch and panel discussion
2016-01-11

Hungarian Politics in 2015 - Book launch and panel discussion

We cordially invite you to the official book launch of “Hungarian Politics in 2015”, a joint annual review of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and Policy Solutions.

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INVITATION – IS POPULISM THE NEW ZEITGEIST?
2015-10-12

INVITATION – IS POPULISM THE NEW ZEITGEIST?

We cordially invite you to the joint conference of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and Policy Solutions entitled ’Is Populism the new Zeitgeist?’. The conference aims to provide an in-depth investigation on the causes of rising populism and its implications on mainstream politics in Hungary and Europe.

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THE FAR-RIGHT AND THE MAINSTREAM
2015-06-18

THE FAR-RIGHT AND THE MAINSTREAM

Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and Policy Solutions have jointly decided to hold a conference entitled ’The far-right and the mainstream’. The conference aims to provide an in-depth investigation of the interaction between the far-right and mainstream politics.

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Hungarian Politics in 2014
2015-01-23

Hungarian Politics in 2014

In collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Policy Solutions presents an annual review of Hungarian politics. This publication is a comprehensive overview of recent developments, events and trends in Hungary in 2014.

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Hungarian Politics in 2014 - Book launch and panel discussion
2015-01-19

Hungarian Politics in 2014 - Book launch and panel discussion

We cordially invite you to the official book launch of “Hungarian Politics in 2014”, a joint annual review of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and Policy Solutions. This publication is a comprehensive overview of developments, events and trends in Hungary in 2014.

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International Conference on Illiberal Democracies in Europe
2014-11-19

International Conference on Illiberal Democracies in Europe

We cordially invite you to our international conference entitled “Illiberal democracies in Europe”.The event will be held on the 28th of November 2014, and is organized by the Brussels-based Foundation for European Progressive Studies together with Táncsics Mihály Foundation. The event’s professional partner is Policy Solutions.

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Municipal vote affirms orange dominance
2014-11-11

Municipal vote affirms orange dominance

Municipal elections tend to be more grateful subjects for the spokespersons of losing national parties than parliamentary elections because there are hundreds or thousands of results, and victory and defeat are not necessarily clear-cut. Even in the worst defeat, national parties can point to some local successes that redeem their efforts or at least qualify the totality of their defeat.

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Facing Political Extremism in Visegrad Countries
2014-09-18

Facing Political Extremism in Visegrad Countries

On 23rd July 2014 in Budapest, Policy Solutions and the European Values Think Tank (EV TT), a Prague-based public policy research institute, organized a National Seminar on political communication of integration of minorities, consisting of a roundtable discussion and public debate.

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FIDESZ ‘MAKES GESTURE’ TO LEVEL MEDIA PLAYING FIELD
2014-08-25

FIDESZ ‘MAKES GESTURE’ TO LEVEL MEDIA PLAYING FIELD

Fidesz’ media dominance is so conspicuous that even the OSCE’s foreign observers could not help noticing it; it was a significant aspect in their determination that the government had given itself an unfair advantage in the election. Now Fidesz has done a significant step towards remedying this unfair situation by giving the left-wing opposition access to a major media outlet…

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Who are the New Critics of the European Union?
2014-07-21

Who are the New Critics of the European Union?

Even before the actual results were tallied, the 2014 elections to the European Parliament were regarded as unique by analysts on account of the anticipated Europe-wide rise in the strength of euro-sceptic and populist parties. The final results bore out analysts’ expectations.

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Invitation: „Why and How Should Politicians Communicate Integration of Minorities?
2014-07-21

Invitation: „Why and How Should Politicians Communicate Integration of Minorities?

We are pleased to invite you on behalf of European Values Think-Tank and Policy Solutions, in cooperation with Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies to a Public Debate, titled „Why and How Should Politicians Communicate Integration of Minorities?".

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Gábor Győri: The EP election in Hungary - A contest without a second place
2014-07-04

Gábor Győri: The EP election in Hungary - A contest without a second place

The EP election in Hungary resulted in a clear victory for the governing party, Viktor Orbán's Fidesz. The national vote was characterised primarily by an internecine competition on the left and secondarily by a battle between the far-right and the left. The Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP) lost the former, but left-wing parties outperformed Jobbik.

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ELECTION HAS POTENTIAL TO RESTRUCTURE THE ENTIRE LEFT
2014-06-07

ELECTION HAS POTENTIAL TO RESTRUCTURE THE ENTIRE LEFT

The election is over and it has ended in a clear victory for the governing party, Fidesz. This was the first sentence of our analysis in April, and it is the first sentence again. Apart from that, the election was primarily an internecine competition on the left and a battle between the far-right and the left. MSZP loses the former and the left wins the latter.

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Winners and losers
2014-04-08

Winners and losers

The election is over and it has ended in a clear victory for the governing party, Fidesz. But some underlying details provide interesting and important insights. First, we offer some general observations about election night and then we proceed to evaluate the outcome from the perspective of individual parties, also reflecting on their reactions.

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What we learned about (voter) abstinence
2013-12-12

What we learned about (voter) abstinence

Policy Solutions took an in-depth look at the phenomenon of voter abstention in Hungary. Combining turnout data since 1990 with recent polling results, it has affirmed some longstanding assumptions about the segment of the electorate that is likely to stay at home on election day. It has also refined some of them, however, providing a more nuanced view of this problem.

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Policy Solutions' and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung's study: Non-Voters in Hungary
2013-12-05

Policy Solutions' and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung's study: Non-Voters in Hungary

In the study on Non-Voters in Hungary the political research institute Policy Solutions, in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, undertook to find out who in Hungary today regularly fails to participate in elections and what the underlying reasons are for this group’s withdrawal from politics.

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Fifth constitutional amendment: Just following orders?
2013-11-12

Fifth constitutional amendment: Just following orders?

The governing supermajority amended the constitution for the fifth time since its adoption in September. The fifth amendment introduced a whole range of changes, including three ostensibly enacted to satisfy the unceasing criticisms from abroad.

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Policy Solutions' analysis: The left could win next year's EP elections
2013-09-17

Policy Solutions' analysis: The left could win next year's EP elections

At the 2014 elections to the European Parliament, the European Socialists could attain a relative majority of votes, thereby overtaking the conservative People's Party for the first time in two decades - thus a comprehensive analysis by the Hungarian political research institute Policy Solutions, which reviewed the state of public opinion in all 28 member states.

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New realities in campaign financing
2013-05-31

New realities in campaign financing

The problem of campaign financing has dogged Hungarian democracy for two decades. Fidesz' planned reforms will hardly solve any of the problems. Instead, to further the governing parties' edge in 2014, they will create new ones.

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Fundamental Law: feet of clay
2013-03-04

Fundamental Law: feet of clay

Hungary's new constitutional regime is proving far less stable than its creators had promised. Even before it entered into effect last January, the governing parties had added a number of provisions to the Fundamental Law, some of which the Constitutional Court quashed on formal grounds.

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New election procedure finally passed
2012-12-03

New election procedure finally passed

The much awaited new Act on Electoral Procedures has been finally adopted, and from new rules on voter registration all the way to peculiar campaign advertisement regulations, it contains all the controversial elements that critics have lambasted for months.

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Voter registration has come to stay
2012-09-24

Voter registration has come to stay

Following the reforms of the respective laws on municipal and parliamentary elections, Fidesz has finally introduced the last piece of the electoral rules puzzle, the new bill on electoral procedure.

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Axe murderer diplomacy
2012-09-11

Axe murderer diplomacy

During the famous ping-pong diplomacy of the 1970s, the People’s Republic of China and the US exchanged visits by table tennis players to pave the way for improved relations between the two countries.

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The end of a hot and golden summer
2012-09-11

The end of a hot and golden summer

Talk of voter registration has intensified over the summer, and while some argue that Fidesz will ultimately balk because of unpredictable outcomes and/or the fear of judicial intervention, the introduction of some form of registration still appears likely.

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Democracy at halftime
2012-06-18

Democracy at halftime

Fuelled by the perception that its electoral victory was a mandate to influence the course of Hungarian politics for a long time, Fidesz has comprehensively restructured democratic institutions so as to enhance its own powers.

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Slight renovations in the Orbán machine
2012-06-05

Slight renovations in the Orbán machine

The Orbán government has reached the middle of its term and it marked the occasion with the first significant cabinet reshuffle since it entered office.

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Áder as president
2012-04-23

Áder as president

No loud gasps were heard when Fidesz nominated its MEP János Áder as the candidate to succeed President Pál Schmitt.

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Judicial reform under scrutiny
2012-04-22

Judicial reform under scrutiny

Through its reform of the judicial system, the government has enacted changes that may potentially significantly impact judicial independence.

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On Communist informants, it’s young versus old in Fidesz
2012-03-27

On Communist informants, it’s young versus old in Fidesz

With its proposal to fully release the files on informants working for the secret police under the communist regime, LMP has successfully driven a wedge between Fidesz and significant portions of the right-wing intelligentsia, as well as between the younger and older members of Fidesz’ and KDNP’s parliamentary factions.

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An easy spring in Parliament?
2012-03-14

An easy spring in Parliament?

Fidesz has promised that the spring session of parliament will be considerably more relaxed than the second half of 2011, when Parliament passed a record number of laws, many of which were controversial to boot.

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Tactical Orbán soothes markets in Brussels
2012-02-01

Tactical Orbán soothes markets in Brussels

Almost a year to date of his last appearance in the European Parliament, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán faced his critics again in a heated plenary session.

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The first all-inclusive left-wing protest
2012-01-16

The first all-inclusive left-wing protest

On January 2nd Fidesz took a little break and celebrated itself and its new Fundamental Laws at the Budapest Opera. After slightly over a week without a demonstration, the opposition, too, gathered for the occasion, though in a less celebratory mood than the official guests.

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A spectre haunting communism
2011-12-05

A spectre haunting communism

With its two-thirds majority Fidesz dominates the present, with the Fundamental Laws supplanting the current Constitution it seeks to control the future, and now Fidesz seeks to make its view of history the definitive one as well. To this end, it has introduced a law on communist crimes and how belated justice might be achieved at least in some cases.

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Gerrymandering Fidesz’ way to re-election?
2011-11-28

Gerrymandering Fidesz’ way to re-election?

Fidesz’ electoral law is now almost complete and most of the crucial details have been submitted in a bill to Parliament. Most of these details reflect the trends we outlined a couple of weeks ago in our analysis of the bill’s rough draft. The most important novelty – and the one we focus on in our review below – is that Fidesz has also designed the new district boundaries.

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New Electoral Law, Part II: Redefining proportionality
2011-10-17

New Electoral Law, Part II: Redefining proportionality

In Part II of our electoral law analysis we take a look at the more technical aspects of the new election law, analysing how changes to electoral system will affect seat distribution, voting behaviour and future majorities. We argue that Fidesz tinkers with the system in a way that will increase the likelihood of emerging victorious from a battle with a fragmented but overall strong opposition.

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October surprise: A New Electoral Law
2011-10-10

October surprise: A New Electoral Law

Just in time to fuel another round of speculation about early elections, a new concept of Fidesz’ proposals for new electoral rules emerged, supplanting an earlier proposal, which is still languishing in committee.

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Jobbik: slapped for success
2011-10-03

Jobbik: slapped for success

The times call for an economically populist agenda, and Jobbik appears to be successfully adapting to this requirement. Drawing on a mix of its own xenophobic/anti-globalisation ideas, Fidesz’ previous opposition rhetoric, and traditional left-wing ideas, it is steadfastly attacking the government’s economic policies. At the same time, a careful process of marginalizing some of the far-right movement’s most radical figures has begun.

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Cardinal concerns: the new super laws are coming
2011-09-12

Cardinal concerns: the new super laws are coming

The constitutional process is far from over: phase two is just about to begin. In the autumn the government parties will introduce the so-called cardinal (or supermajority) laws that will flesh out various areas that were only addressed in broad strokes by the Constitution.

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Is Orbán's strongest opposition in the streets?
2011-06-15

Is Orbán's strongest opposition in the streets?

Street demonstrations have been among the most powerful manifestations of opposition to the government.Now that the Orbán-government is cutting key benefits and entitlements, the number of those adversely affected by the government’s policies is growing, as is the ratio of those willing to express their dissatisfaction publicly.

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The Expendables – Fidesz is slicing its coalition
2011-05-23

The Expendables – Fidesz is slicing its coalition

. Now the government has put an axe to large portions of the coalition, by cutting benefits and services that affect hundreds of thousands of citizens. Especially citizens in an economically vulnerable position are likely to turn against Fidesz.

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In the search for lost voters
2011-03-28

In the search for lost voters

A growing number of voters refuse to name a party they would support, sending Fidesz and the entire political class a warning message. Fidesz’s popularity is reminiscent of a hot-air balloon with a small leak – the helium is gradually oozing out, slowly bringing the balloon from stratospheric heights back towards the ground.

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A fair weather opposition?
2011-03-21

A fair weather opposition?

The demonstrations of March 15th were above all an opportunity to demonstrate strength. As was expected, Fidesz succeeded. Surprisingly, the left-of-centre opposition displayed impressive strength in the streets for the first time in years. As of yet, this opposition is not willing to align itself politically.

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Constituting the Revolutionary Republic
2011-03-14

Constituting the Revolutionary Republic

Even though Fidesz has moved relatively swiftly in presenting its draft of the constitution, in light of the fact that it wants to have it passed by the end of April it does not leave much time for actually debating it.

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The Big Constitutional Brainstorming
2011-02-28

The Big Constitutional Brainstorming

Still almost two months to go until the final parliamentary vote on the new Hungarian constitution, but we already bet that none of the opposition parties will support the governing parties’ draft basic law. Fidesz has offered unprecedented concessions to LMP, but in light of the impractical conditions of the opposition parties, consensus is highly unlikely.

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Dual citizenship at its logical conclusion
2011-01-31

Dual citizenship at its logical conclusion

Politically, Fidesz stands to gain a lot by giving suffrage to newly minted Hungarian citizens across the border. Still, the opposition will be in a tough spot because Fidesz is right to argue that generally speaking, citizenship does not tend to be decoupled from suffrage.

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Fighting for Hungarian votes in Strasbourg
2011-01-24

Fighting for Hungarian votes in Strasbourg

The prime minister’s appearance in Strasbourg to introduce the Hungarian rotating presidency of the European Union yielded mixed results. From the government’s perspective, it is likely that what we posit was the overall goal – i.e. appealing to the Fidesz base at home without causing a serious backlash in Strasbourg – was achieved.

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A stormy start for the new president
2011-01-10

A stormy start for the new president

For months critics of the government’s more drastic measures have predicted that Fidesz will draw fire from the EU.

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2010 in review: The government’s most important measures
2010-12-23

2010 in review: The government’s most important measures

The end of the year is traditionally the time to compile top 10 lists. We gathered for a somewhat subjective list the top ten most important policies and measures enacted by the Fidesz-government since it took power.

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Fidesz and the media: just another brick in the wall
2010-11-24

Fidesz and the media: just another brick in the wall

The new media supervision law is stricter than the previous legislation, but by no means marks the end of the freedom of the press. As in many other areas, Fidesz thus far has not moved to advance its power by changing the legislative framework but rather by placing party loyalists in various independent positions.

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Taking the fight for the Constitutional Court to the streets
2010-11-15

Taking the fight for the Constitutional Court to the streets

The opposition can’t yet sway the masses, but Fidesz may gradually awaken the left-wing base from its deep slumber. Just in case, the left leaning parties and organisations are vying to offer them a wide and growing selection of leaders and organisations.

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Constitutional Court under fire
2010-11-06

Constitutional Court under fire

In revolutionary Hungary, the guns are fortunately silent. If all goes to plan, the inconvenient Constitutional Court will be, too.

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Keeping the barbarians out
2010-08-26

Keeping the barbarians out

Though it happens slightly less frequently than Halloween, Hungarians have their own version of trick or treat.

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The Budapest mayoral election – ambitions realised and deferred
2010-08-23

The Budapest mayoral election – ambitions realised and deferred

Though it is hard to tell whether on the whole this is an advantage or a handicap, it must be said that with some notable exceptions the Fidesz is nothing if not loyal to its top cadres.

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A President should be seen, not heard
2010-08-23

A President should be seen, not heard

Though it may seem as a whimper rather than a bang, the inauguration of President Pál Schmitt marks an important step in the establishment of the new constitutional order envisioned by the ruling party, Fidesz.

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Hungarian Politics in 2023

Yearbook by Policy Solutions - Review and forecast of politics, economy and society in Hungary

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Hopes, Aspirations and Fears - A Comprehensive Survey of Hungarians in 2023

This research aims to explore the major hopes and fears of the Hungarian society in 2023.

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Hungarian Politics in 2022

Yearbook by Policy Solutions - Review and forecast of politics, economy and society in Hungary

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Post-COVID Hungary

This comprehensive research reveals the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Hungarians' fears, health attitudes, lifestyle, work and mental health.

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Hungary's Political Compass 2022

This Policy Solutions research measured the degree to which different worldviews are represented in Hungarian society.

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Divided Hungary - Political polarization of the Hungarian society

Policy Solutions study on the state of political polarization in Hungary.

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Who's who in the fifth Orbán government

Which ministers belong to PM Orbán's innermost circle? Who are the steady hands? What do we need to know about the new faces and the returning ministers? Policy Solutions analysis.

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Hungarian parliamentary elections 2022

Policy Solutions analysis about the reasons behind the re-election of Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party.

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Hungarian Politics in 2021

Yearbook by Policy Solutions - Review and forecast of politics, economy and society in Hungary

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Hungary's Anxiety Map 2021

This publication aims to explore the major anxieties and fears of the Hungarian society.

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Hungarian Politics in 2020

Review and forecast of politics, economy and society in Hungary

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„Vor 1990 haben wirbesser gelebt": Umfrage 30 Jahre nach der Wende offenbart politische Nostalgie im heutigen Ungarn

German summary of our analysis about how Hungarians see the regime change of 1989-1990 after 30 years

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Orbán 10 - Zehn Jahre Orbán-Regierung in den Augen der ungarischen Wähler_innen

German summary of our analysis about how Hungarians see the 10 years of Orbán government

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State of Populism in Europe 2020

This volume presents the work of Policy Solutions and FEPS over the last year, reviewing the trends and the most important activities of populist parties in the EU member states.

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30 years on – Public opinion on the regime change in Hungary

The aim of this research was to explore the views of the Hungarian society about the regime change of 1989-1990 after 30 years.

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Orbán 10 - How do Hungarians evaluate the last 10 years of Hungary?

This research reveals what the Hungarian society thinks about the last ten years of the Orbán government.

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Hungarian Politics in 2019

Review and forecast of politics, economy and society in Hungary

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State of Populism in Europe - 2018

This volume presents the work of Policy Solutions and FEPS over the last year, reviewing the trends and the most important activities of populist parties in the 28 EU countries.

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Progressive Answers to Populism

Why Europeans vote for populist parties and how Progressives should respond to this challenge

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Hungarian Politics in 2018

Review and forecast of politics, economy and society in Hungary

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The Hungarian Dream

What kind of future do Hungarians dream of for themselves and their country?

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Populism Report - April-June 2018

The state of populism in the European Union in Q2 2018

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Populism Report - January-March 2018

The state of populism in the European Union in Q1 2018

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The State of Populism in Europe - 2017

This FEPS - Policy Solutions - FES Budapest book surveys the popularity and influence of populist parties in the EU in 2017. Readers can also learn in more detail about the state of populism in five EU countries where elections were held last year.

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Hungarian Politics in 2017

Review and forecast of politics, economy and society in Hungary by Policy Solutions and FES

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What is the Hungarian Dream?

What kind of future do Hungarians dream of for themselves and for Hungary?

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Regime change, democracy and Hungarian society

Policy Solutions’ study aims to present Hungarian public attitude concerning socioeconomic changes twenty-five years after the regime change.

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Tamas Boros: Options for the left in the time of populism

If there is a single political term which even those indifferent to public life have heard in the past year, it is populism. This paper analyses the possibilities of the European Left in the era of populism.

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Political Discrimination in Hungary

Case Studies from the Hungarian Justice System, Local Government, Media, Agriculture, Education and Civil Sector

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The State of Populism in Europe (2016)

The State of Populism in Europe (2016) book surveys the popularity and influence of all populist parties in the EU’s 28 Member States.

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Hungarian Politics in 2016

Review and forecast of politics, economy and society in Hungary by Policy Solutions and FES

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Comparing the positions of the Hungarian Government and Hungarian parties in the EP on symbolic European issues

The objective of the analysis conducted by VoteWatch and Policy Solutions was to reveal whether Hungarian political parties have the same positions on key issues in both Brussels and Budapest.

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András Bíró-Nagy: Central European MEPs as Agents of Two Principals. Party Cohesion in the European Parliament after Enlargement

This paper investigates the impact of Central European MEPs on party cohesion in the European Parliament.

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Populism Report: April-June 2016

The new analysis of Policy Solutions shows that in the second quarter of 2016 most of the populist parties in Europe still stand at the same level of support as in the previous quarter.

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András Bíró-Nagy: Central European MEPs and Their Roles. Behavioral Strategies in the European Parliament

This article helps to better understand the role orientations of the Central European Members of the European Parliament, the factors that influence their strategies, and the relationship between their roles and activities.

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The Political Communication of the Refugee Crisis in Central and Eastern Europe

A study reviewing how politicians in central and eastern Europe have responded to the current refugee crisis.

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The Political Values of the Millennial Generation in the Central and Eastern European Region

The results of the Millennial Dialogue international youth research in regional comparison

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The State of Populism in Europe (2015)

The joint study of Policy Solutions and the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) that analyses changes in the public support for all relevant European populist parties and the prevailing trends in European populism.

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Municipal vote affirms orange dominance

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, November 2014

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Stuck in second place forever?

An analysis and interpretation of the social democratic parties’ results in the 2014 EP election

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FIDESZ ‘MAKES GESTURE’ TO LEVEL MEDIA PLAYING FIELD

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, July 2014

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Analysis: Winners and losers

Hungarian Politics In-Depth - Election Edition

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What we learned about (voter) abstinence

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, December, 2013

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Non-Voters in Hungary

Summary of the Policy Solutions – Friedrich Ebert Foundation study

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Fifth constitutional amendment: Just following orders?

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, October, 2013

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New realities in campaign financing

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, June, 2013

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Fundamental Law: feet of clay

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, March, 2013

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New election procedure finally passed

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, 2012, Week 47

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Voter registration has come to stay

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, 2012, Week 39

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Axe murderer diplomacy

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, 2012, Week 36

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Democracy at halftime

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, 2012, Week 24

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Áder as president

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, 2012, Week 17

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Judicial reform under scrutiny

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, 2012, Week 16

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The end of the Schmitt presidency

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, 2012, Week 14

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On Communist informants, it’s young versus old in Fidesz

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, 2012, Week 13

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March 15th: An oversupply of national liberators

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, 2012, Week12

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A spectre haunting communism

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, 2011, Week 49

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Gerrymandering Fidesz’ way to re-election?

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, 2011, Week 48

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New Electoral Law, Part II: Redefining proportionality

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, 2011, Week 42

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October surprise: A New Electoral Law

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, 2011, Week 41

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Cardinal concerns: the new super laws are coming

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, 2011, Week 37

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In the search for lost voters

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, 2011, Week 13

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The Big Constitutional Brainstorming

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, 2011, Week 9

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Fidesz and the media: just another brick in the wall

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, Week 48

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Taking the fight for the Constitutional Court to the streets

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, Week 46

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Constitutional Court under fire

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, Week 45

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The Budapest mayoral election – ambitions realised and deferred

Hungarian Politics In-Depth, Week 34

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A President should be seen, not heard

Hungarian Politics In Depth, Week 33

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About Us

Policy Solutions is a progressive political research institute based in Budapest. It was founded in 2008 and it is committed to the values of liberal democracy, solidarity, equal opportunity, sustainability and European integration. The focus of Policy Solutions’ work is on understanding political processes in Hungary and the European Union. Among the pre-eminent areas of our research are the investigation of how the quality of democracy evolves, the analysis of factors driving euroscepticism, populism and the far-right, and election research. 

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