New Books Network Populism, Polarization and Politics: Hungary on the Eve of Elections
Mar 10, 2026
Zsolt Enyedi, political scientist studying party strategies and neo-authoritarian trends. Emilia Palonen, scholar of populism and Hungarian political history. They unpack Fidesz’s shift from liberal youth to right-wing power, the rise of polarization and civic networks, electoral rules that favor majorities, Orbán’s international influence, and the emergence of Péter Magyar and new campaign tactics.
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Goulash Communism Shaped Tolerance For Strongmen
- Hungarian goulash communism normalized a paternal leadership that traded liberties for welfare and stability.
- Emilia Palonen links Kádár-era legitimacy to why many Hungarians tolerate Orbán’s long rule despite democratic erosion.
Fidesz Rebuilt Its Identity To Capture The Right
- Fidesz transformed from liberal youth party to radical right through strategic electoral recalculation and value repositioning.
- Zsolt Enyedi says Orban embraced Christian-nationalism and illiberal symbolism to capture the anti-socialist right and consolidate support.
Polarization As A Strategy To Exclude Rivals
- Polarization became a hegemonic strategy where politics centers on delegitimizing opponents rather than policy debate.
- Emilia Palonen shows Fidesz framed rivals as illegitimate, turning elections into exclusionary contests.
