New Books in Political Science Populism, Polarization and Politics: Hungary on the Eve of Elections
Mar 10, 2026
Zsolt Enyedi, a political scientist who studies party systems and neo-authoritarian trends, and Emilia Palonen, a scholar of populism and Hungarian democratic change, discuss Hungary on the eve of parliamentary voting. They explore Fidesz’s strategic shift and civic networks. They examine polarization as hegemonic, electoral rules that amplify majoritarian advantage, campaign tactics, and risks to democratic norms.
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Polarization Used Delegitimization Instead Of Policy Debate
- Polarization was institutionalized by mutual delegitimization: parties framed opponents as illegitimate to govern.
- Emilia Palonen shows this produced debates about who should not rule rather than substantive policy discussion.
Electoral Engineering Cemented Majoritarian Advantages
- Hungary's electoral system became unusually majoritarian and repeatedly amended to favor dominant players.
- Zsolt Enyedi highlights gerrymandering and rules helping Fidesz secure parliamentary and constitutional majorities despite sub-50% votes.
Durability Comes From Institutional Advantage And Cultural Resonance
- Fidesz's durability rests on a mix: electoral tweaks, media control, pre-COVID growth, and resonance with Hungarian values.
- Enyedi stresses cultural appeal (suspicion of foreign powers, desire for state protection) plus centralised party machinery.
