Republikon Institute

Republikon Institute is a liberal think tank organisation based in Budapest, focusing on analysing Hungarian and international politics, formulating policy recommendations and initiating projects that contribute to a more open, democratic and free society. The goal of the Institute is to promote discussion and implementation of liberal ideas, approaches and policies.

Politics

Gergely Karácsony: Who Should Hungarian Liberals Vote For?

BY Miklos Varga AND Republikon Institute / November 6, 2017

Karácsony believes that political liberalism works best in Northern states, which are not classical liberal countries, but highly redistributive policies and various welfare state services are implemented. These countries also follow the model of consensus democracy, which should also be applied in Hungary.

Politics

The Chances of Fidesz in the Forthcoming Election in Hungary

BY Levente Nanasi AND Republikon Institute / October 30, 2017

The number of Fidesz voters has only fluctuated, but not changed significantly since the last elections in 2014. Apart from the numbers, it is important to mention that most of the opinion polls show that their supporters are continuously getting more homogenous.

Politics

The Friend Behind Viktor Orban

BY Mark Matusz AND Republikon Institute / July 16, 2017

There was an intense uproar this April, when the press figured out that Meszaros became the fifth wealthiest Hungarian, as he gained more than roughly 325 million euros just in a year. For comparison, he had around 25 million euros – in 2014, when he appeared on the list of the richest Hungarians for the first time.

Society

Budapest Pride and the Flawed Perception of the LGBTQ+ Community in Hungary

BY Kristof Horvath AND Republikon Institute / July 12, 2017

The Budapest Pride parade has been held annually since 1997 with tacit support from governments. The Hungarian society, however, became significantly homophobic in general, as the LGBTQ+ community was something they barely had personal experience with.

Politics

Hungary 2017: Stable Fidesz, More Active Left-Liberal Wing, and a New Political Actor

BY Zsolt Nagy AND Republikon Institute / May 1, 2017

At first glance, the beginning of 2017 did not bring any significant changes in the Hungarian politics. Fidesz still leads confidently, having almost an absolute majority. Moreover, power relations between the liberal-left parties are stable. However, we may also notice a number of new tendencies.

Politics

Hungarian Presidential Elections: A Chance for Constitutionalism

BY Anna Kalmar AND Republikon Institute / April 11, 2017

Since according to the constitution, the Hungarian president can be elected by a simple majority, it was clear that János Áder would triumph once more. The less predictable outcome was that the small, often disputing with one another parties of the left-wing liberal opposition lined up behind a credible, well-respected candidate: László Majtényi.

Politics, Society

Fantastic Political Mechanisms and Where to Find Them

BY Barna Mazan AND Republikon Institute / April 3, 2017

It seems that wizards and witches have more rights compared to anyone else (muggles or other species), which sounds quite worrisome. All in all, segregation is a very serious issue in the wizarding community, thus it is not surprising at all that it is filled with internal tensions.

Politics

A New Hungarian Political Force Sets Out to Complete the “Real Change of the Regime”

BY Balint Timar AND Republikon Institute / March 30, 2017

As for the voters, Momentum also aims to attract the huge proportion of uncertain voters that wish to change the current government but cannot find a real alternative. The party’s main long-term goal is to complete the change of the regime.

Economy

Miles Away from Doing Better: Government’s Economic Policies Hold Hungary Back

BY Reka Borbely AND Republikon Institute / December 31, 2016

While it might be too harsh to say that Hungary was near bankrupcy in 2010, or when it was put in the junk category in 2014 we could argue that it was only an overreaction of the market. Still, it would be wrong to say that ’Hungary is doing better’, especially on the regional level.

Politics

Hungary Slowly Begins to Thaw?

BY Republikon Institute / December 13, 2016

There is a significant, 7% decrease in the ratio of voters who support the continuation of the present Fidesz government, while the ratio of those who support Jobbik (the radical right party) or a coalition of the leftist, liberal parties has increased – shows the public opinion study by Republikon Institute in November 2016.